PHOENIX, ARIZONA, July 1, 2011: Paula Slamowitz just wanted Mexican food when she walked into her new neighborhood restaurant, Filibertos. “I was shocked,” she tells CBS 5 news, when she saw a red swastika symbol painted above the front door. She was immediately offended by what it stood for, to her. “Nazi-ism, Germany, Skinheads.”
The owner is Hindu, and spoke to CBS 5 news over the phone. He explained the swastika is a sacred symbol in Indian religions, dating back to 2500 B.C. It represents good luck, peace and prosperity.
Slamowitz wasn’t the only customer to complain, according to the stores manager, Edgar Rodriguez. “I try to explain it,” he said. “Sometimes they do believe me, and sometimes they just walk away.”
Rodriguez admits even he questioned the symbol at first sight…which appears a few places in the restaurant, including behind the register, along with the elephant-headed Hindu God Ganesha. “I did my research, and I found out the real meaning of it. I think people should look it up and see what it really means,” said Rodriguez.