Council Announces Reinstatement of Palestine Refugee Mural

A local authority has announced the reinstatement of a mural that previously generated controversy due to allegations of antisemitism. This artwork, produced by young Palestinian refugees in 2012, had been taken down from Tynemouth Metro station in October 2023 after threats of defacement emerged. A dispute subsequently arose among councillors, academics, and various campaign groups regarding its potential reinstallation. North Tyneside Council stated that a “broad consensus” had been reached for the mural’s return, accompanied by “additional information” detailing its background, though the specific timing and location remain undetermined. The artwork, known as the “friendship” mural, features depictions of octopuses, alongside other animals and cartoon characters. Councillor Liam Bones, a Conservative, had previously informed the BBC that the Campaign Against Antisemitism had cautioned him that octopus imagery might be perceived as an antisemitic trope. He urged the Labour-led local authority against reinstating the mural. Historically, octopus imagery has been employed, notably in Nazi propaganda, to suggest Jewish societal control. The Campaign Against Antisemitism chose not to provide a comment. Conversely, a collective of North East Jewish academics had dispatched a letter to councillors, asserting that the mural was not antisemitic and advocating for its reinstallation. Dr. Ellie Azoulay, a lecturer at Newcastle University and one of the letter’s signatories, commented that the local authority had “dragged their feet” concerning the matter. She further stated that the council’s failure to provide any timeframes for the mural’s installation or to confirm its precise display location was “not good enough.” Councillor Lewis Bartoli, also a Conservative, expressed his view that “civic art” should not serve a “challenging” or “potentially offensive” purpose. He suggested that if the artwork were to be reinstated, it ought to be placed in a setting where individuals “have the choice to go and see it, rather than a public space where you have no choice.” North Tyneside Council indicated that it had consulted with a “broad range of community groups,” some of whom suggested the mural could fulfill an “important role” in showcasing the region’s diversity. A spokesperson stated, “We are working with all groups involved, including one of the original artists, to determine where the mural will be located and what additional information can be provided as part of its reinstatement.”