3 days ago
Stone cross landmark on Great Orme used to create Star of David
The removal of a cross made from stones on the Great Orme to create a Star of David has been criticised. The grass hillside - known as the 'Hill of Names' near the Great Orme summit in Llandudno is used by locals and visitors to create symbols and messages from the loose stones from a nearby quarry.
This has included a large cross which some say has been there for decades. But on Friday a group of young people were filmed kicking down the stones.
Some then carried the stones away and created a Star of David symbol on the hillside. It is a widely recognised symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism. In video footage seen by North Wales Live some of the group involved appeared to be in Orthodox Jewish dress.
The incident sparked huge anger locally and an instant response, with people coming to restore the cross. Some said it was a shame the actions of a very small minority had caused reputational damage in a town where Jewish families have played a prominent role as well as there being a long history of Jewish visitors enjoying the town. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Scott Puddey was one of those who helped restore the cross after hearing about the incident. He said: "I've just been up the Orme and thankfully normal service has been restored just finished off the last couple of corners just to make sure as someone has already cleared most of it. I helped restore the cross not for any religion purpose just that it's been a part of Llandudno for over 50 years and looked after by locals and holidaymakers alike."
Another person added: "Glad the cross has been restored it's been there longer than I can remember, well done to whoever restored it."
A local man commented, saying: "I am a white British Muslim who lives happily in Llandudno and a large part of my life in Gwynedd. This is not only disrespectful but as that cross has been there a long time and has become part of the landscape."
Another added: "I've got no issue with other people seeing a symbol and being inspired to add their own, but destroying one symbol to add another is such an unbelievably poor choice."
Some feared it would unfairly stir up anger and prejudice against Orthodox Jewish visitors who had been "happily visiting for well over 100 years".
One person said that Llandudno's heritage includes many "lovely Jewish families" and that they "would certainly have something to say about this".
Professor Nathan Abrams, who has worked to uncover and document stories of Jewish history and heritage in north west Wales, said: "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 anti-Semitic prejudice I have read on Facebook, and it didn't take much to reveal the depth of prejudice bubbling beneath the surface."
