Jewish Volunteer Ambulances Targeted in London Arson Attack
An arson attack on ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer emergency service in London is being treated as a hate crime, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred early Monday in the Golders Green neighborhood, a north London suburb known for its significant Jewish community with multiple synagogues, schools, and restaurants.
Details of the Attack and Response
The fire damaged four ambulances operated by Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer organization established in 1979 to provide free emergency medical services. According to the London Fire Brigade, "multiple cylinders on the vehicles" exploded, causing windows in nearby buildings to shatter. No injuries were reported, but some homes were evacuated as a precaution.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned the attack, calling it a "horrifying and deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack" in posts on social media platform X. "An attack on our Jewish community is an attack on us all," he stated, pledging to combat antisemitism.
Metropolitan Police Superintendent Sarah Jackson said investigators believe three suspects were involved and are reviewing CCTV footage. No arrests have been made yet. Police have increased patrols in the area to reassure the community.
Community Reaction and Broader Context
Footage shared on social media showed a massive blaze with thick smoke, and one video captured an explosion as firefighters worked to control the flames. The fire brigade dispatched six fire engines and about 40 firefighters after receiving 56 calls, with the first report at approximately 1:40 a.m. local time. The fire was brought under control by 3 a.m.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the attack as "a particularly sickening assault—not only on the Jewish community, but on the values we share as a society." He praised Hatzola Northwest for its mission to protect life for all, regardless of religion.
Sarah Sackman, Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green, called the incident a "despicable, cowardly, antisemitic arson attack" and urged that perpetrators face the full force of the law.
This attack occurs amid a surge in antisemitic incidents in Britain since the Israel-Hamas war began in late 2023. The Community Security Trust recorded 3,700 incidents in 2025, more than double the 1,662 reported in 2022. Golders Green, with a population of about 15,000, is approximately half Jewish according to 2021 census data.
Hatzola Northwest works closely with national emergency services and hospitals, responding to thousands of calls annually for conditions ranging from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies.
