Fleet Restored After Antisemitic Arson Attack Destroys Hatzolah Ambulances in London

Just days after a shocking antisemitic arson attack destroyed four Hatzolah ambulances in Golders Green, London, the fleet has already been restored—thanks to a swift outpouring of support from Hatzolah organizations worldwide and direct assistance from the UK government.

The attack, which took place in the early hours of Monday morning, saw three masked individuals set fire to ambulances belonging to Hatzolah Northwest outside a Shul in the heavily Jewish neighborhood. Authorities say accelerants were used, and explosions from onboard oxygen tanks caused additional damage to nearby homes and buildings.

Miraculously, no injuries were reported, though dozens of residents were evacuated as emergency crews battled the blaze. The Metropolitan Police have classified the incident as an antisemitic hate crime, with counter-terrorism units leading the investigation.

The destruction was significant: four of the organization’s ambulances—most of its operational fleet—were either destroyed or severely damaged in what community leaders described as a deliberate attempt to cripple a life-saving service.

In the aftermath, Hatzolah chapters from across the UK and beyond mobilized rapidly, dispatching replacement vehicles and equipment to ensure uninterrupted emergency response.

At the same time, the British government stepped in with unprecedented speed. Officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, strongly condemned the attack and pledged direct support, including funding for replacement ambulances and temporary deployment of government-provided vehicles.

Hatzolah, a volunteer-based emergency medical service, provides rapid response care to anyone in need—regardless of background or religion. Its volunteers are often first on the scene in medical emergencies, particularly in densely populated Jewish neighborhoods.

Authorities are also investigating claims of responsibility by a group believed to have links to Iranian-backed networks, though officials caution that the connection has not yet been confirmed.