Llandudno Jewish Community

Jewish Chronicle, 21 August 2008

Racist attack in Llandudno
by Marcus Dysch

A man was punched and had his kippah knocked off in what police describe as a racist attack. The 24-year-old was wrestled to the ground by two men and hit in the face during the assault in Llandudno, North Wales, last week. He had been walking close to a Chabad-run community centre on the outskirts of the town when the men attacked him. They removed his skullcap before running away. The victim, who has not been named, was treated for shock and minor injuries.

Synagogue services are run from the retreat centre, which attracts a large number of Charedi holidaymakers from Manchester, London and elsewhere in England.

The incident happened at around 10pm on August 12. The two attackers were white and aged around 18. District Inspector Andy Broadhead, of North Wales Police, said: "The men grabbed him round the neck and his skullcap came off during the struggle. "He shouted for help but then went back to where he was staying and came to us the next day.

What makes this incident so disturbing is the fact it is racially motivated. "This is the first case of this nature we have had reported to us. It was a cowardly attack and we will do all that we can to catch those responsible." Michael Lee, of Llandudno Hebrew Congregation, said: "We have several Chasidim here at the moment and although we are a small community we have regular Shabbat services. "We often have groups staying here from religious schools and organisations. The community centre is put to good use. "Perhaps because there are Chasidim here now we have attracted more attention, but we have never had any serious trouble before." A CST spokesman said: "This was a shocking attack in an area that is normally welcoming to Jewish visitors. We hope it proves to be an isolated incident.".

(Wales) Daily Post, 12 August 2010

Jewish burial ground is the first in North Wales

A JEWISH burial ground which has been opened in a Llandudno cemetery is believed to be the first in North Wales.

Roy Thurley, of the resort’s Emmanuel Christian Centre, said: “Over the last 100 years or so there have been substantial Jewish communities in North Wales, with successful synagogues established in Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Bangor and Caernarfon, but surprisingly throughout that long history there has been no burial ground established anywhere in the area. “Llandudno, which has the only synagogue remaining in North Wales, now also has a burial ground, which has been established at Llanrhos Lawns Cemetery on the outskirts of the town.”

He said the idea for an area dedicated to Jewish burials came from Bernard Blank, who has lived in the resort for a number of years. “A well respected member of the local Jewish community, Bernard contacted Conwy County Council, which agreed to make a plot available at the cemetery,” said Mr Thurley. And on Sunday there was a dedication service at the cemetery taken by Rabbi Brian Fox of Manchester’s Cheshire Reform Synagogue.

Mr Blank said: “I have lived here for nearly 11 years and was surprised to find there was no Jewish burial ground. “It seems that in the past members of the faith were buried at cemeteries in Manchester and Liverpool. “The council has been most helpful and have provided an area of the cemetery for this purpose.”

The burial ground will be run on a non-profit basis by the authority along Liberal Judaism lines.

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