London – A disturbing act of arson targeting a Jewish volunteer ambulance service has prompted a police investigation in Golders Green, a north London suburb with a significant Jewish population. Authorities are treating the incident, which occurred early Monday morning, as an antisemitic hate crime, raising concerns within the community and prompting increased security measures.
Four ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer organization providing emergency medical response, were deliberately set alight, causing significant damage. The attack involved explosions believed to be caused by gas canisters onboard the vehicles, with the sound of the blasts waking residents and prompting a large response from emergency services. No injuries have been reported, but nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution.
Police were alerted to the scene around 1:40 a.m. Local time after receiving 56 emergency calls, according to the London Fire Brigade. Six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters were dispatched to extinguish the blaze, bringing it under control shortly after 3 a.m. Local time. Metropolitan Police Superintendent Sarah Jackson stated that CCTV footage is being examined and that investigators believe three suspects were involved, though no arrests have been made as of Monday afternoon. “We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage,” Jackson said in a statement.
Hatzola Northwest Targeted in Arson Attack
Hatzola Northwest Chairman Shloimie Richman confirmed to CNN that the organization’s ambulances were “deliberately targeted in an arson attack.” The organization, established in 1979, provides free emergency medical services to North London, working closely with national emergency services and area hospitals, responding to thousands of calls annually, from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. The damage to the ambulances will undoubtedly impact the organization’s ability to respond to emergencies in the area.
Security camera footage shared with CNN showed three masked individuals approaching an ambulance near the Machzikei Hadath synagogue and setting it on fire. The timestamp on the video reads 1:36 a.m. Monday morning. The incident has understandably caused alarm within the Golders Green community, known for its numerous synagogues, schools, and kosher restaurants.
Community Response and Police Investigation
Local resident Charlie Richards told CNN she heard “multiple explosions” and filmed video showing a large orange explosion and smoke rising into the sky. The London Metropolitan Police are treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime and have launched a full investigation. Superintendent Jackson stated that police “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.”
The incident comes amid growing concerns about rising antisemitism in the United Kingdom. According to a 2021 census, just under 300,000 people identified as Jewish in England and Wales. Whereas Richman stated that Hatzola Northwest had not received any direct threats prior to the attack, the deliberate targeting of the organization’s vehicles has heightened anxieties within the Jewish community.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities are appealing for any information that may assist in identifying the perpetrators. The investigation is ongoing, and police are continuing to analyze CCTV footage and gather evidence from the scene.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focused on ensuring the safety and security of the Jewish community in Golders Green and beyond. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of antisemitism and the importance of vigilance and community solidarity.
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