The New York Times faces backlash on Sunday after it published a crossword that many pointed out to be shaped like a Swastika.

The puzzle’s silhouette caused quite a stir on social media, especially since the Swastika has infamously been associated with the Nazi Party. This, coupled with the fact that the crossword was published on December 18, which was the first evening of Hanukkah, a Jewish festival caused further uproar against the newspaper. 

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“This is the NYTimes crossword puzzle today on the first day of Hanukka.

What the hell, @nytimes?” one of them said, while another noted, “It’s the first day of Hanukkah and The NY Times crossword puzzle looks like a swastika.” One more stated, “Shocking. As Chanukah begins the NY Times Crossword puzzle is laid out in the shape of a Nazi Swastika. This on top of their being accused of anti-semitism for years. Will the media cover this up or confront them about this?”

Another quipped, “No way the NY Times thought it would be a good idea to put a swastika on their crossword puzzle.” One more noted, “I know this is making the rounds but think it needs to be amplified. Seriously @nytimes?! First day of Hanukkah and you have a crossword puzzle in the shape of a swastika?!”

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One more stated, “Unfortunate design in the @nytimes#crossword puzzle to celebrate the first night of Chanukah!” another user commented, “Today’s Crossword Puzzle from the New York Times for Hanukkah.
Pretty much sums up the @nytimes for the past few years in regard to Jews and Israel.”

The puzzle was titled ‘Some Theme’s Missing.’ It was created by Ryan McCarty, who is a Washington, D.C.-based consulting manager. McCarty has previously created 22 other puzzles for the paper.

“He started this grid in the middle and worked his way out, stirring in a heap of fresh, lively vocabulary, including 20 debut entries,” a New York Times article said.