Jewish Ambulance Service in London Secures £1.4 Million in Donations Following Antisemitic Arson Attack
In a powerful display of community solidarity, a fundraiser for the Jewish volunteer ambulance service Hatzola has raised over £1.4 million after a devastating arson attack destroyed four of its vehicles in Golders Green, north-west London. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, is being treated by police as an antisemitic hate crime, highlighting ongoing threats faced by Jewish communities in the capital.
Police Investigation and Community Response
The Metropolitan Police, with Counter Terrorism Policing leading the inquiry, reported that CCTV footage shows three individuals pouring accelerant on the ambulances before setting them ablaze and fleeing the scene. Although not classified as a terrorist incident, the attack has prompted a significant security response. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor announced that more than 200 extra officers will be deployed to protect Jewish communities, utilizing specialist teams including firearms, mounted branch, and drones, especially in the run-up to Passover.
At the scene, the aftermath was stark: hollowed-out carcasses of the vehicles lay in a car park, with local children stopping to gaze at the wreckage on their way to school. Residents in nearby flats kept doors and windows shut, reflecting a community on edge. In a tense atmosphere, one man claimed responsibility for previous abuse directed at Al Jazeera journalists, underscoring heightened tensions in the area.
Fundraising Efforts and Political Condemnation
A fundraiser on the CharityExtra platform has rapidly garnered £1.4 million toward a £5 million goal to secure new, safer premises for Hatzola. A post on the page stated, "You've seen the scenes. Heard the harrowing reports. Felt the fear. The hate-filled attack on 4 of our ambulances at our base last night shook us all. Despite this shocking incident, our mission has not changed. We will continue to save lives." Additionally, a separate fundraiser has been established to support Hatzola Stamford Hill.
Political leaders have united in condemnation. Prime Minister urged communities to "all stand together" against what he called a "horrific antisemitic attack." Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the targeting of the volunteer service as "particularly sickening," while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that this was "more than an attack on one organisation or one community." In response, Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that the government will fund four replacement ambulances.
Broader Context and Security Concerns
The attack comes amid a backdrop of increasing threats to Jewish communities in the UK. Sir Mark Rowley, head of the Metropolitan Police, noted at the Community Security Trust dinner that "Britain's Jewish community has in recent years been increasingly targeted by individuals, groups and hostile states, intent on spreading fear, hate and harm." He highlighted the "rapid growth" of Iranian state threats, including disrupted plots and attempted attacks on the Iranian diaspora.
Online, the Islamist group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), believed to be aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack, posting a video on Telegram showing a map of the location and the burning ambulances. In a show of resilience, over 250 people attended a demonstration against antisemitism in Golders Green on Monday evening, rallying to "stop the hate" in London.
As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, with police vans patrolling the area and providing reassurance. This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and collective action to combat hate crimes in London.
