Golders Green: Replacement ambulances arrive after London arson attack

Four replacement ambulances have been delivered to a Jewish charity in north London following an arson attack that destroyed four of its vehicles. The ambulances, which belong to Hatzola, a volunteer-led emergency medical service, were set on fire in Golders Green during the early hours of Monday. This incident has prompted an investigation led by the Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism unit, although it is not officially being classified as a terror attack.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that the government would cover the cost of the replacement ambulances, which are currently on loan, until permanent vehicles can be provided. He emphasized that “the Jewish community should not bear the cost of this hatred,” and stressed the need for more than just physical security measures. “We have to confront and beat the evil ideas that are permeating in our society,” Streeting added, expressing solidarity with the Jewish community.

At the scene of the fire, the burnt-out ambulances remained the following morning, with shattered medical equipment visible inside the vehicles parked near the Machzike Hadath Synagogue. The building itself suffered damage, including cracked stained glass windows and broken windows in a nearby apartment block, apparently caused by exploding oxygen canisters. Damon Hoff, president of the synagogue, acknowledged the deliberate nature of the attack, noting signs of surveillance on the community and its infrastructure. He described the synagogue’s survival as “a miracle” and confirmed that it had reopened for prayers the next day.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley announced additional safety measures following the attack, including the deployment of 264 extra officers and heightened firearms patrols to protect London’s Jewish community. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor commented on the broader context, referencing disrupted Iranian-backed plots in the UK that involved assassination, kidnapping, and espionage. Although an Iran-aligned group claimed responsibility on social media, this has not been verified. Meanwhile, Hatzola—operating in Golders Green since 1979 and serving a community where nearly half the residents identify as Jewish—continues its work with strong support from both the local community and the London Ambulance Service. Over £1.3 million has been raised to assist Hatzola, with plans to invest in a new, secure headquarters. Reflecting on the attack, Hatzola chairman Shloimie Richman described Monday as the “darkest day” for the organisation, lamenting the targeting of vehicles intended for life-saving efforts

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