Four Hatzolah Ambulances Torched in Deliberate Antisemitic Arson Attack in Golders Green
by CrownHeights.info
In a brazen attack that has sent shockwaves through the UK’s Jewish community, four ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest were deliberately set ablaze last night. The Metropolitan Police are treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime, with thankfully no injuries reported.
Officers were called by the London Fire Brigade at approximately 1:40–1:45 a.m. to reports of a fire on Highfield Road in Golders Green, a north London neighborhood home to one of the city’s largest Jewish populations. The ambulances were parked near the Machzike Hadath Shul.
CCTV and circulating social media footage captured three masked suspects, dressed in black hooded clothing, approaching the vehicles carrying what appeared to be a canister or accelerant before igniting the ambulances one by one and fleeing the scene.
The fires quickly engulfed all four ambulances, triggering multiple explosions caused by oxygen or gas cylinders onboard the vehicles. These blasts shattered windows in a nearby apartment block, prompting the precautionary evacuation of dozens of residents — around 30 people were relocated to a local shelter. The fires were fully extinguished within about two hours.
A video purpotedly by Ashab al-Yamin has emerged on social networks linked to the Iran-led Islamic Resistance claiming responsibility for the arson attack in Golders Green, London on Monday morning. The group claims it attacked the Machzike Hadath Synagogue because of its ties to Israel.
Hatzola Northwest, a nonprofit volunteer organization founded in 1979 to provide free, round-the-clock emergency medical response and hospital transport, operates alongside the NHS and serves the local Jewish community while assisting anyone in need regardless of background. The group’s fleet was reduced from six to two operational vehicles in the attack.
A spokesperson for Hatzola, Laurence Blitz, described the assault as “shocking for any normal-minded person to attack an organisation whose sole purpose is to save lives.” He added that the service remains fully operational, with volunteers continuing to respond to calls without interruption: “Our phones haven’t stopped… our service continues unbroken.”
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads local policing, said in the Metropolitan Police’s official statement: “We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries. We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage. We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage. There have been no arrests yet, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible — you can do so anonymously if you wish. 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.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack swiftly, posting on X: “This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack. My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news. Antisemitism has no place in our society and it’s really important that we all stand together at a moment like this.” He has been in direct contact with Jewish leaders. Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that the government will fund the full replacement of the destroyed ambulances, with the London Ambulance Service providing interim support. London Mayor Sadiq Khan also pledged increased patrols.
A fundraiser has been launched to help Hatzolah of Golders Green reconstitute its ambulance fleet. Donations can be made HERE.
