Charedi holidaymakers condemned after replacing cross with star of David
Video footage shows teenagers dismantling large loose-stone cross and erecting the Jewish symbol instead
A group of strictly Orthodox holidaymakers in Wales have been condemned after they were filmed taking apart a 60 foot cross made from loose stones and constructing a star of David instead.
Footage appears to show teenagers wearing kippot and tzitzit removing stones from the hillside cross, which is believed to have been there for half a century, and using these to build the Jewish symbol nearby. Adults who were apparently part of the group appear not to have intervened. The incident took place below the Great Orme summit in Llandudno, north Wales – a popular holiday destination for Orthodox Jews over many decades.
Footage of the incident was widely shared on social media, with anger from local residents. Unfortunately other responses included the claim that “The Star of David is the Rotchild [sic] family symbol and they made the Israeli govt take the menorah off the flag and replace with their family symbol”, “This is nothing compared to what they are doing in Gaza”, “There’s a reason the whole world has historically always hated them”, and “They are just a stain on the world…always have been.”
Professor Nathan Abrams, a Jewish academic at the University of Bangor in north Wales, told the Daily Mail: “These actions, if verified, have been committed by a tiny minority of Jews and should not be allowed to obscure the long history of Jews visiting and living in Llandudno that dates back over a hundred years.
“Llandudno has and continues to have a fascinating Jewish heritage, which we are continuing to explore.
“However, these actions in no way justify the outpouring of antisemitic prejudice I have read on Facebook, and it didn’t take much to reveal the depth of prejudice bubbling beneath the surface.”
Locals have since restored the cross and removed the star of David.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
