Several ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer rescue organization were set on fire outside a synagogue in a neighborhood home to London’s largest Jewish community early on Monday, in what police are treating as an anti-Semitic attack.
Arson Attack Targets Jewish Community in London
Flames were visible across the night sky and residents of Golders Green, a north London suburb, were awakened by loud explosions as dozens of firefighters responded to the scene.
According to a statement from London’s Met Police, “Officers remain on scene and the arson attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.” Some residents were evacuated as a precaution.
Security camera footage shared with CNN showed three masked individuals approaching an ambulance belonging to Hatzola Northwest and setting it ablaze. The footage was timestamped 1:36 a.m. Monday morning and the location marked as Machzikei Hadath, which corresponds with the name of the adjacent synagogue.
Police have confirmed they are searching for three suspects, but stated that “there have been no arrests yet.”
Local resident Charlie Richards told CNN she heard “multiple explosions since 2 a.m.” and filmed video showing a large orange explosion and smoke.
Hatzola Northwest Chairman Shloimie Richman confirmed to CNN that four of the organization’s six ambulances were deliberately set alight in an arson attack. “Obviously we have concerns that What we have is a direct attack on the Jewish community,” Richman said.
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the local area, acknowledged there would be “a great deal of concern in the community.”
Jackson stated, “We will be engaging with faith leaders and carrying out additional patrols in the local area as we continue our investigation to provide reassurance and a highly visible presence.”
Police indicated that reports of explosions are believed to be linked to gas canisters onboard the ambulances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Golders Green on Monday morning?
Several ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest, a Jewish volunteer rescue organization, were set on fire outside a synagogue in Golders Green.
How are police responding to the incident?
Police are treating the arson attack as an antisemitic hate crime and are searching for three masked suspects. They have also begun evacuating residents and increasing patrols in the area.
What is Hatzola Northwest?
Hatzola Northwest is a non-profit volunteer organization that provides emergency medical response and transport to the North London community, responding to thousands of emergencies each year.
As this investigation unfolds, what role will community vigilance play in preventing similar incidents in the future?
