Newcastle set for UK and Europe’s first Palestinian memorial

A new memorial for Palestinian civilians could be added to Newcastle’s Peace Garden following a proposal supported by local councillors and community groups.

The Peace Garden, located within the grounds of Newcastle’s Civic Centre, was established as a space for remembrance and reflection for communities affected by war, genocide and violence.

Councillor Habib Rahman has led the new initiative. His work with Newcastle City Council helped create the memorial area.

Two memorials have already been installed in the garden. In 2024, a memorial stone was unveiled in remembrance of the genocide against the Tutsi people of Rwanda, supported by Newcastle’s Rwandan community.

A second memorial was installed in 2025 to recognise the genocide against the Roma people. At the same time, an oak tree was planted to commemorate Jewish refugees and victims of the Srebrenica genocide.

Plans for memorial stone and olive tree

Rahman has now proposed a further memorial stone to honour Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives during the Israel–Gaza conflict. The proposal also includes planting an olive tree as a symbol of remembrance.

The idea was presented to Newcastle city council leader Karen Kilgour and referenced in a cabinet update to full council in March 2026 under future considerations for the Peace Garden.

Council documents state that Rahman is facilitating discussions with the local Palestinian community, to establish a permanent memorial within the Civic Centre grounds.

Council arboriculture specialists are currently considering the most suitable location within the Civic Centre green spaces to plant the olive tree.

The item was not discussed in detail at the March council meeting as the session was dominated by budget discussions. However, Rahman later wrote to the council leader requesting that the proposal be progressed through a council and cabinet decision.

He also confirmed that the full cost of the memorial and tree planting would be covered entirely by the community.

In a letter responding to the proposal, a council officer confirmed formal acceptance of the plan to install a permanent memorial commemorating innocent Palestinian civilians.

Rahman said he was proud of the work that had gone into creating the Peace Garden:

I am immensely proud of the work undertaken to establish the Peace Garden. As a City of Sanctuary, it is fitting that Newcastle has a dedicated space for remembrance and reflection.
It reflects our city’s long-standing tradition of solidarity, our stance against genocide and war, and our commitment to empathy and remembrance.

He added:

We have already made history with memorials recognising the genocide against the Tutsi people of Rwanda and the genocide against the Roma people.

By establishing a memorial for the Palestinian people, alongside the planting of an olive tree, we have the opportunity to make history again, which we will now work towards a date later this year.

Mohammed Wafi, of the Palestine Community North East, said:

We thank Councillor Rahman for his leadership in securing this historic approval. This memorial will mean a great deal to our community, and we will now work with him and the Council to deliver it.

Rahman said he would continue working with Newcastle’s Palestinian community and the city council to deliver the memorial later this year.

When completed, this will become the first Palestinian memorial of its kind in the UK and Europe.

Featured image supplied