Only half of Russians oppose banning the Star of David

The Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) has published a new survey measuring the country’s attitudes about various political and religious symbols.

According to the group’s findings, Soviet iconography remains relatively popular in Russia today, with the Hammer and Sickle and the Five-Pointed Red Star enjoying 73 percent and 66 percent approval ratings, respectively. Similarly in the vein of WWII-era patriotism, 74 percent of Russians say they dislike the Swastika, and 62 percent are ready to ban it outright.

VTsIOM’s poll also indicates certain mixed feelings about the religious minorities Jews and Muslims. Only half of the country opposes a ban on the Star of David (though 22 percent don’t even recognize the symbol), and only slightly more than half the nation is against outlawing the Muslim Crescent Moon.

The Ukrainian Coat of Arms, meanwhile, is the second-most disliked symbol on VTsIOM’s list, and one of every five Russians apparently supports banning it.

Curious to know more about how Russians responded to this survey? Meduza has translated the summary of results here: