Counterterror Police Lead Investigation into 'Horrific' Antisemitic Arson Attack in Golders Green
Counterterrorism police are spearheading the investigation into a suspected antisemitic hate crime involving an arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, north London. The vehicles, belonging to the volunteer service Hatzola, were set ablaze in the early hours of Monday, with CCTV footage capturing three hooded suspects pouring accelerant over them.
Political and Community Leaders Unite in Condemnation
Sir Keir Starmer has urged communities to "all stand together" against what he described as a "horrific antisemitic attack." Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis stated that targeting the life-saving volunteer service was "particularly sickening," while Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who visited the scene, emphasized that the attackers aimed to make Jewish people "live smaller lives."
The Metropolitan Police have launched a manhunt but clarified the incident is not currently being treated as terrorism. However, investigators are examining an online video allegedly posted by an Islamist group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which shows a map of the location and footage of the burning ambulances.
Details of the Attack and Community Impact
The attack occurred around 1:45 am on Highfield Road, where gas canisters inside the ambulances exploded, blowing out windows of nearby homes and the local synagogue. No injuries were reported, but residents were evacuated as a precaution. Dov Forman, a 22-year-old passerby, expressed relief that his great-grandmother, Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert, was not alive to witness the incident, saying it would have shattered her belief in the UK as a safe haven.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan labeled it a "cowardly attack on the Jewish community," insisting Londoners would not be cowed. The government has pledged to fund replacement ambulances, and police will provide extra support for key Jewish locations in the lead-up to Passover in early April.
Broader Context of Rising Antisemitism
Jewish leaders meeting with the prime minister on Monday highlighted growing fears, with Michael Wegier of the Board of Deputies of British Jews noting Jews in the UK feel less safe now than a few years ago. Keith Black of the Jewish Leadership Council added that Jews are "caught in the crossfire" of identity politics turning violent.
Official hate crime figures show Jewish people face the highest rate of religious hate crimes of any faith group in England and Wales. This incident follows a deadly synagogue attack in Manchester in October 2025 and recent charges against two men for allegedly spying on Jewish locations for Iran.
Community representatives, including Peter Zinkin and Dean Cohen of Barnet Council, expressed shock and sadness, condemning the attack on life-saving services. The Archbishop of Canterbury and the British Medical Association also denounced the assault, with the BMA criticizing attacks on healthcare as "reprehensible."
