Government to Fund Replacement of Four Jewish Community Ambulances After Arson Attack
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced that the Government will fund the replacement of four Jewish community ambulances destroyed in a recent arson attack in north London. The attack targeted the Hatzola charity, which provides emergency medical services in the Golders Green area.
Immediate Support from London Ambulance Service
In addition to funding the replacement vehicles, Mr Streeting pledged that staff from the London Ambulance Service will offer immediate support to Hatzola. This collaboration aims to ensure that emergency callouts are covered without interruption, with four temporary vehicles expected to be in place by tomorrow morning at the latest.
Speaking at the scene in Golders Green, Mr Streeting condemned the attack, stating: "The aim of these attackers is clear. They want Jewish people in this country to live smaller lives, to live less Jewish lives, to be less visible as Jewish people, to fear going about Jewish life."
He emphasised that the Jewish community will not be cowed by this despicable act of evil, and called on all decent people to stand up against antisemitic hatred. "And of course, the best form of solidarity is practical solidarity," he added, highlighting the government's commitment to providing tangible support.
Background on Hatzola and Community Response
Hatzola was founded in 1979 to provide emergency medical response to patients in north London at no cost. It is run by volunteers trained by medical professionals from local hospitals, including The Royal London, Homerton, and Whittington hospitals. The charity works closely with national emergency services such as:
- London Ambulance Service
- London Fire Brigade
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Service
- Metropolitan Police
Hatzola responds to medical emergencies, delivers urgent care, transports patients to hospital, and provides transport for chronically ill or elderly patients needing hospital access.
Condemnation from Medical and Charitable Sectors
The Charity Commission has offered support to Hatzola, with its chief executive David Holdsworth stating: "Our thoughts are with those affected by the horrendous attacks in north London. Such cowardly violence committed against those serving their community represents an attack on all of us."
Doctors have also condemned the attack. Dr Tom Dolphin, chairman of the British Medical Association council, said medics "are appalled," adding: "Antisemitism is abhorrent, and deliberate attacks on healthcare services are reprehensible, and this horrendous incident involves both."
Mr Streeting reassured patients that the service will remain available, with work ongoing to secure permanent replacements for the destroyed ambulances. This incident underscores broader concerns about rising antisemitism and attacks on charitable organisations in the UK.
