Golders Green Ambulance Arson Attack: Father Describes Being Thrown Backwards by Explosions
A father of four has given an exclusive account of the terrifying moment he was thrown backwards by explosions during an antisemitic arson attack on ambulances in Golders Green, north London. Max Reisner, 34, described hearing "very, very loud explosions" and feeling the force of the blasts "right in my guts and body" as he filmed the shocking incident.
Chaotic Scene as Ambulances Burst into Flames
Max Reisner was at his home nearby when he first noticed flames and smoke billowing from the ambulances. He immediately ran towards the scene, capturing footage that shows the dramatic escalation of the attack. In the background of his video, someone can be heard screaming "fire, fire" as the situation rapidly deteriorated.
The third explosion proved particularly violent, occurring when Reisner was just 15 yards away. The force of this blast physically threw him backwards, leaving him shocked and afraid. "I was not sure if there were going to be more explosions or whether buildings around the area were being attacked," he revealed.
Elderly Residents Evacuated Amid the Danger
As the fire took hold, the danger extended beyond the immediate area. Reisner witnessed elderly residents from a nearby care home being evacuated to safety, some in wheelchairs, as rescuers moved them across the road to a community centre. He expressed concern that these vulnerable individuals must have also felt the impact of the explosions during their evacuation.
The attack targeted four Jewish community ambulances, though Reisner emphasized that these vehicles "serve everyone whatever their religion or ethnicity." He condemned the perpetrators, stating: "Attacking ambulances is the very worst as these are only aimed at helping humanity. So it is not vandalism, it is terror against the community."
Counter-Terrorism Investigation Underway
Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the overnight arson attack. While the incident has not yet been officially declared a terrorist act, officers are examining the authenticity of an online claim of responsibility. Police are searching for three hooded suspects, and no arrests have been made at this stage.
Reisner expressed broader concerns about rising antisemitism, saying: "The levels of hate are now not just surprising. They're also shocking. The government seems unable to stop anti-Semitism going on unchecked." He revealed that some community members are considering moving to Israel, an active warzone, rather than remaining in England—a development he described as "terrible to think this is taking place in 2026."
Family Impact and Community Concerns
The father shared how the attack affected his family, particularly his 10-year-old daughter who went to school largely unaware of what had happened just streets away. "What will they tell them at school? I don't know," he said. "My 10-year-old daughter sees pictures of children who are held hostage from the last couple of years in Gaza. There is no easy way to tell a 10-year-old child."
Reisner emphasized that the ambulance service volunteers have "zero involvement in current conflicts going on abroad" and are "only trying to help humanity." The attack has raised serious questions about community safety and the escalation of hate crimes in London, with this violent incident targeting essential emergency vehicles serving the Jewish community and beyond.
