Four ambulances belonging to the Jewish emergency service Hatzola North-west were destroyed in an overnight arson attack in Golders Green, in what authorities are treating as an antisemitic hate crime, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The vehicles were set ablaze outside Machzike Hadath Synagogue, with surveillance footage showing masked individuals pouring accelerant on the ambulances before igniting them and fleeing. The London Fire Brigade responded with six fire engines and around 40 firefighters. Exploding oxygen cylinders intensified the blaze, damaging nearby property, though no injuries were reported.
The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed the incident is being investigated as an antisemitic attack. The case has now been taken over by Counter Terrorism Policing, although it has not yet been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
A previously unknown group, Ashab al-Yamin, claimed responsibility via social media. The group, believed to be linked to Iranian-backed militias, released footage allegedly showing reconnaissance of the site and the attack itself. Authorities said they are working to verify the authenticity of the claim.
Police have identified three suspects seen on CCTV carrying out the attack. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said investigations are ongoing and that the link to the group remains under review.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident as “a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack,” adding that antisemitism has no place in British society. London Mayor Sadiq Khan also condemned the attack and confirmed increased police patrols in the area.
The Community Security Trust noted similarities between this incident and recent arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in cities such as Liège, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, warning of a concerning pattern.
Israel’s embassy in the UK said the attack reflected a wider climate of rising antisemitism, calling for decisive action to prevent further escalation.
Hatzola North-west, a volunteer-run emergency medical service operating 24/7 in north-west London, provides free assistance to both Jewish and non-Jewish residents. The destruction of the ambulances significantly impacts their ability to respond to emergencies.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that the government would fund replacements for the destroyed vehicles, with additional support temporarily provided by the London Ambulance Service. Public fundraising efforts have already raised over £500,000 to help restore the service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities assess the motive, suspects and potential wider security implications.
Photo credit: Reuters: Hannah McKay
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