London Jewish Ambulances Targeted in Arson Attack, Police Investigate as Hate Crime
LONDON – Four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community ambulance service, Hatzola, were deliberately set ablaze in the Golders Green area of north London early Monday morning, prompting a police investigation into what authorities are calling an antisemitic hate crime. No injuries have been reported.
Police were alerted to the fire on Highfield Road around 1:45 a.m. and confirmed they are treating the incident as a hate crime. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and online videos, and believe three suspects were involved.
“This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a statement. “My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news.”
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation. London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the incident as a “cowardly attack” and stated that police are increasing patrols in the area.
“Londoners will never be cowed by this kind of hatred and intimidation,” Khan said.
Hatzola, established in 1979, provides free medical transportation and emergency response services to the Jewish community in north London, operating with a team of volunteers. The organization confirmed its north-west London facility remains fully operational despite the damage.
The London Fire Brigade responded to the scene with six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters. Crews reported that several cylinders on the vehicles exploded, causing damage to windows in a nearby apartment building.
Mark Gardner, from the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity monitoring antisemitism in the UK, emphasized the broader implications of the attack. “Ambulances being blown up in the middle of the night in London is… an attack on London, it’s also an attack on the UK,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “It’s important that it’s regarded as such.”
The CST noted the incident bears similarities to recent antisemitic arson attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Dean Cohen, a local councillor, highlighted the chilling effect of the attack, noting it occurred in the car park of a synagogue at a time of already heightened fears regarding antisemitism in the UK.
Police Superintendent Sarah Jackson urged anyone with information to come forward, assuring the public that officers are pursuing urgent inquiries. “We will be engaging with faith leaders and carrying out additional patrols in the local area as we continue our investigation to provide reassurance and a highly visible presence,” she said.
The Shomrim neighbourhood watch group reported being aware of “loud explosions” early Monday and confirmed the incident involved Hatzola ambulances being set alight. They clarified the explosions were caused by oxygen tanks, not a bomb or explosive device.
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