A chilling wave of fear swept through Golders Green in the early hours of Monday as four ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer service were deliberately set ablaze. The attack, now being investigated by counter-terror police as a hate crime, has left the community reeling and demanding answers.
Footage quickly surfaced, showing three hooded figures approaching the parked emergency vehicles before flames erupted, illuminating the quiet street. Witnesses described hearing explosions as oxygen tanks ignited, and the synagogue nearby sustained damage, its stained-glass windows shattered by the force.
The Hatzola Northwest service, a vital lifeline providing free emergency care to the Jewish community, now faces a critical gap in its ability to respond to urgent calls. The attack wasn’t just on vehicles; it was a direct assault on a community’s ability to care for its own.
“It was terrifying,” recounted Damon Hoff, the synagogue’s president, describing the scene as “all hands on deck” with hundreds of people on the street. He emphasized the profound impact: “This is an attack on the Jewish way of life.”
Residents awoke to chaos, many initially mistaking the explosions for fireworks. Abigael Levi, a mother of two young children, described a frantic escape, pushing her children in a shopping trolley as flames engulfed the area. “It’s extremely scary,” she said, “I don’t feel safe.”
The incident has sparked fears of external influence, with reports suggesting Israel suspects Iranian involvement. While authorities continue to investigate these claims, the attack has resonated far beyond London’s borders.
Expressions of outrage and solidarity poured in from across the spectrum. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis condemned the attack as a “particularly sickening assault,” highlighting the escalating pattern of violence faced by Jewish communities worldwide.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the act “deeply shocking,” reaffirming that antisemitism has “no place in our society.” Health Secretary Wes Streeting, visiting the scene, pledged government funding to replace the destroyed ambulances.
The attack has ignited a fierce debate about security and the rising tide of antisemitism. Local councillor Dean Cohen voiced a grim assessment: “Antisemitism in this country has been growing and festering. It was just a matter of time before there would be an attack in Golders Green.”
Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman labeled the attack “cowardly and despicable,” vowing to ensure the perpetrators face the full force of the law. The community is left grappling with a sense of vulnerability and a demand for concrete action.
Leading Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet powerfully articulated the gravity of the situation, describing the attack as “terrorism, plain and simple.” He shared a personal story of how Hatzola had saved his newborn granddaughter’s life, underscoring the profound impact of their service.
The incident has prompted a critical re-evaluation of security measures, with some questioning the effectiveness of current patrols. Councillor Peter Zinken argued that reassurance patrols are insufficient, asking how to adequately protect the numerous synagogues in the area.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on edge, demanding accountability and a renewed commitment to combating antisemitism. The charred remains of the ambulances serve as a stark reminder of the hatred that still exists and the urgent need for vigilance and protection.
