A shocking overnight arson in Golders Green, London, saw four ambulances belonging to the Hatzola volunteer service engulfed in flames, raising serious concerns for community safety and antisemitic threats.
Details of the incident
The London Fire Brigade was called to Highfield Road at around 01:40 GMT, where fire crews found four ambulances on fire. Despite rapid response, the vehicles were destroyed. Residents reported loud bangs and flames lighting up the street. The Metropolitan Police are treating the incident as a deliberate antisemitic attack, though no arrests have been made so far.
Community and political reactions
Green Party leader Zack Polanski condemned the attack, calling antisemitism “vile and having no place here,” while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage linked the incident to rising hate against Jewish communities.
Labour MP Sarah Sackman described the act as “despicable and cowardly,” stressing that the perpetrators must face the full force of the law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that antisemitism has no place in society and highlighted ongoing engagement with Jewish community leaders.
Role of Hatzola and security response
Hatzola is a non-profit volunteer ambulance service founded in 1979, providing emergency medical response across North London at no cost, serving both Jewish and non-Jewish residents. Damon Hoff, chair of Machzike Hadath Synagogue, emphasised that Hatzola is “for everybody” and praised the quick alert to fire and police services.
Mark Gardner, chief executive of the Community Security Trust, noted that the arson may be linked to other antisemitic incidents in the UK and Europe and stressed the shock such attacks cause in the Jewish community.
Ongoing investigation
Police, including discussions on involving counter-terror officers, have cordoned off the scene. The borough commander is expected to provide an update, and investigations continue to determine the perpetrators and motives behind this deliberate attack.
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