An antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green, London, saw four ambulances operated by a Jewish volunteer emergency service set on fire early Monday morning. The attack has sparked outrage and raised concerns about rising antisemitism in the UK.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
Around 1:45 a.m., emergency services responded to reports of a fire on Highfield Road, where the four Hatzola ambulances — part of a Jewish community-run volunteer emergency service — were found ablaze.
The incident caused explosions as oxygen canisters inside the vehicles ignited, forcing nearby residents to evacuate for safety. 34 residents were displaced, but fortunately, there were no injuries.
Despite the extensive damage to the ambulances, the service, which provides emergency medical responses in north London, remains operational and able to respond to urgent calls.
Police Investigation
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams confirmed that the incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. CCTV footage appears to show three suspects in hoods pouring an accelerant onto the vehicles before setting them on fire.
Authorities are also investigating an unverified online claim of responsibility and leading the case under Counter Terrorism Policing.
While the attack has not been classified as terrorism, it remains under active investigation. No arrests have been made yet.
Community Impact
Shloimie Richman, Chairman of Hatzola Northwest, confirmed that four of the six ambulances operated by the organization were destroyed, calling it a deliberate and targeted attack. He voiced concern that this was a direct assault on the Jewish community, noting that Hatzola had received no prior threats.
Local residents, including Gedale Weinberg and Anita Zadeh, expressed shock and fear after hearing explosions and seeing the flames. Zadeh, who lives nearby, emphasized the need for increased police presence in the area, as it is home to a large Jewish community.
Reactions from Leaders and the Community
British leaders have condemned the attack. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as “disgusting,” asserting that hatred has no place in society. Britain’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called it “a particularly sickening assault” on the Jewish community and the shared values of British society.
Simon Lester, a volunteer first responder with Hatzola, expressed his shock, highlighting the organization’s role in serving not just the Jewish community but the wider population as well.
He emphasized that life-saving activities should be untouchable but acknowledged that this attack has shaken those working within the service.
Hatzola’s Role in the Community
Hatzola, which means “to save” in Hebrew, is a nonprofit volunteer organization providing emergency medical services across north London. It responds to thousands of emergencies annually, offering assistance ranging from minor injuries to critical, life-threatening conditions.
The attack on Hatzola’s ambulances has raised alarm about the safety of the Jewish community in London, with residents expressing fear and a sense of vulnerability in these uncertain times.
