Monday 22 December 2025 – 12:19 AM
In recent photos of the US Army in a military buildup against VenezuelaWhat is known as the Jerusalem Cross appeared, a symbol that sparked widespread controversy due to its history and multiple uses over the centuries. What is the story of this cross, which dates back to the Crusades, and what is its relationship to the extreme right today?
The story of the Holy Cross dating back to the Crusades
The Jerusalem Cross, also known as the Jerusalem Cross, consists of a large cross surrounded by four smaller crosses, and dates back to the First Crusade in 1099, when it became the emblem of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem.
The Catholic Church interprets the appearance of the four crosses as symbolizing the four Gospels or the spread of Christianity in the corners of the world, and the symbol is also used in some Christian rituals and religious organizations as a symbol of spirituality and faith.
In recent years, the Jerusalem Cross has been adopted by some far-right groups and white nationalists in the West, as a symbol symbolizing what they call the defense of Western Christian civilization.
This symbol is often accompanied by the Latin motto of Deus Vult, which was the emblem of the Crusades, and sometimes appears on the flags or tattoos of these groups.
The appearance of the Jerusalem Cross on military equipment or photographs belonging to the US Army does not mean that it is an official emblem of the armed forces.
In some cases, it is associated with personal symbols of specific individuals. The appearance of the symbol on the tattoo of a former American military man sparked widespread controversy about his association with the extreme right, although he stressed that his choice was purely personal and religious.
