Jewish leaders blast Barras market trader for selling Nazi doll

JEWISH leaders have blasted a market trader for selling a child's doll which is emblazoned with a swastika and appears to be doing a Nazi salute.

The doll was for sale at the Barras market in Glasgow. Picture: John Devlin/TSPL

The shocking children’s toy was spotted at a stall in one of the indoor sections in the famous Barras market in Glasgow among other kids’ playthings.

It was close to another stall selling genuine Second World War memorabilia items, including flags, badges and weapons.

Paul Morron, president of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, said: “It’s an affront to decency.

“It’s just not acceptable. For a Nazi symbol to be on a child’s doll or plaything really [fails] a fundamental test.”

Mr Morron demanded the object be “removed forthwith” and said he had no idea “why anyone thought it was ever right that it should have been there to begin with.”

Cllr Greg Hepburn, SNP councillor for the Glasgow Calton ward, said: “The Barras is a place where everyone should feel welcome.

“I don’t think you’ll find very many people of any race, religion or nationality who would find that welcoming.

“I can only assume that whoever did it thought it was funny, as the alternative is much worse.

“I can definitely see why this toy is considered offensive. It’s completely inappropriate and I doubt that it would have been acceptable in the 60s or 70s, never mind 2016.”

Jay Anderson, who spotted the item while browsing the stall said he was “quite taken back” when he noticed it.

Jay, 26, from Yorkhill, Glasgow, said: “I think whoever made it feels like they’re being funny and edgy but it’s just simply offensive. Seeing that sort of thing in the Barras is unnecessary.

“Seeing any kind of Nazi symbols not only reminds people of what happened years ago, it is associated with evil views like racism, xenophobia and homophobia which isn’t something that should be condoned or taken lightly.

“That doll doesn’t need to be there, not in a society where we’re aiming to be more tolerant and accepting. Nazi symbolism needs to be left behind along with the views it represents.”

Stall owner Andrew Randall said he bought the doll in a box with other items and claimed did not intend to offend anyone.

He said: “I just put it in a box full of scary toys. I’ve never had anyone complaining to me about it and it’s out in broad daylight.

“That’s the way I got it. It’s in a box with other scary objects, it’s a box of terror.

“If you look at the other toys in there, there’s a dog with teeth and a squirrel with a baby head.

“If I thought it was majorly offensive I would take it off but to me it’s just a curiosity. I’m not out there to upset anyone.

“My stall is full of curiosities, I’m sure there are other things which would offend people on it as well.”

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