Golders Green Arson Attack Linked to Suspected Terror Group
A shocking antisemitic arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green has drawn national attention, with counterterrorism police investigating an online claim by the suspected terror group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI). The incident, which occurred on Highfield Road in northwest London, is being treated as a hate crime by the Metropolitan Police, though not officially as terrorism at this stage.
Who Are Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia?
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which translates to the "Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right[eous]," is a newly emerged group with suspected links to pro-Iranian networks, according to Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. The group's Telegram channel, created only recently, has circulated unverified videos claiming responsibility for the Golders Green attack and other incidents across Europe.
Israeli minister Amichai Chikli stated that these attacks are part of a "disturbing pattern of action" by terrorist networks affiliated with the Iranian axis, aiming to expand operations into European Jewish communities. The group's name and logo resemble those used by Iranian-aligned militant groups, and it is believed to operate through local cells directed from abroad.
Claims and Incidents Linked to the Group
In a Telegram post, HAYI claimed the primary target was the Machzike Hadath Synagogue due to its links to Israel, citing former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's visit during the 2024 election campaign. The group has also claimed responsibility for several other antisemitic attacks in Europe this month, including:
- An explosive attack at a synagogue in Liege, Belgium
- An arson attack on a Rotterdam synagogue
- An explosive device at a Jewish school in Amsterdam
- A suspected attack at a Jewish site in Greece
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has labeled HAYI as "a jihadi group tied to an Iranian proxy," accusing the IRGC of sponsoring global terror.
Police Investigation and Response
Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams emphasized that establishing the authenticity of HAYI's online claim is a priority, though it remains unconfirmed. Police are searching for three individuals seen on CCTV pouring accelerant on the Hatzola ambulances before setting them ablaze and fleeing the scene. The investigation continues as authorities assess the group's threats and connections to broader terror networks in Europe.
