Shock, horror and revulsion as Van shows support for Nazis in Cross Hands

By Harry Wilson

Member of the public and community groups were outraged this evening when a Van was seen driving through Cross Hands displaying the Nazi Swastika. 

The Swastika, written in black, in white circle on a red background is the symbol of the Nazis. 

A member of the public who didn’t want to be named told us that he was shocked by what he saw and was glad his WW2 soldier father wasn’t alive to witness it. He said:

“I’m shocked, we’re a nice area and everyone gets on. My father fought in the second world war to stop fascism and the Nazis for this community, now here we are in the 21st century, seeing it rise again!”

The Swastika, and other Nazis symbols are banned in Germany, Austria, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, Brazil, and Israel. It is considered a criminal offence if they are displayed publicly for non-educational purpose, though that is not the case in the UK. 

Denise Kingsley-Jones of the Olive Trust Wales said:

“This is offensive to not only Jewish people but to gay people, those with disabilities and gypsy travellers.”

“One can only assume that this is a racist move and raises concerns about xenophobia and anti-Semitism. It maybe in solidarity with the same flag seen in an American state that, was intent to cause division during the Covid crisis and did not succeed!”

“In these time’s we want solidarity and union with our communities. Hopefully, it will be dealt with by the police and shared for the offensive, cowardice that this type of person has shown.”

This incident follows far right extremist comments on Facebook which have come about because of the proposed housing of 250 male refugees in Penally. Penally has seen the rise of the far right in recent days with groups descending upon the area, however, none have been reported as displaying the most hated symbol of Nazism.

“The use of fascist symbols in modern Wales is abhorrent!” SaidAlex Bryant-Evans of the Carmarthenshire LGBTQ+ Project.

“The history of the Nazi flag is one that is extremely dark and highly, highly offensive to many people in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.”

“The Carmarthenshire LGBTQ+ Project openly condemns anyone who subscribes to such far-right and destructive politics and ideologies. We stand for equality, fairness and social justice in Wales. We are country and community which is open, welcoming and inclusive. The complete and utter antithesis of everything Nazism and that flag stand for.”

Around 15,000 Welsh people died during the Second World Warin the battle against the Axis forces. They are commemorated in the Welsh WW2 Book of Remembrance held in the collections of the National Museum of Wales.

Rebecca Rosenthal, chair of Equality Carmarthenshire said:

“If the photos are true, it’s very surprising to see images of Nazi symbolism around Carmarthenshire. It’s offensive on so many levels. Nazi symbolism represents oppression and genocide for many areas of our community.”

“Carmarthenshire has a cultural richness that includes diversity and compassion for each other – just look at how the whole community came together during the pandemic, our local press is full of stories of people coming together to support families and individuals in crisis. There’s far more that brings together than sets us apart.”

“Let’s hope this is a mis-judged joke and that it’s acted on quickly. Please remember that if you come across upsetting symbolism you can contact the Police on 101, or 999 if it’s an emergency. You can also contact Victim Support if you’ve experienced or witnessed hate crime on 0300 3031 982.

The van was seen at around 5.20 pm. Did you see it? How did it affect you? Send us an email to info@llanellistandard.com.

Pic: Llanelli Standard