Antisemitic Arson Attack Destroys Hatzola Ambulances in London

Early Monday morning, several ambulances belonging to Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola Northwest were set ablaze in Golders Green, northwest London. Police said the incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, with four ambulances destroyed or severely damaged.

The attack struck a Jewish emergency medical service that operates around the clock in one of London’s most prominent Jewish neighborhoods. Beyond the physical damage, the destruction of multiple ambulances directly affects local emergency response capacity, raising concern within the community.

“At around 01:45hrs on Monday, 23 March police were called by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire on Highfield Road, Golders Green,” the Metropolitan Police said. Footage circulating online appears to show masked or hooded suspects pouring liquid on the vehicles before fleeing the scene. The fire broke out in a synagogue car park or adjacent area, and nearby homes were evacuated as flames spread.

Fire crews responded with multiple engines and brought the blaze under control in the early hours of the morning. Reports indicated that oxygen tanks inside the ambulances caused secondary explosions, intensifying the fire and contributing to damage in the surrounding area.

Police said they are reviewing CCTV and online footage as part of an ongoing investigation. Officers believe three suspects were involved and confirmed that no arrests had been made as of Monday.

“We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries. We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage. We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage,” said Superintendent Sarah Jackson. She added that officers would increase patrols and engage with local faith leaders to provide reassurance.

Hatzola Northwest is a Jewish volunteer emergency medical service based in Golders Green, providing free, rapid response care through trained medics and ambulances. The attack, which occurred at a synagogue site, has raised fears that the organization itself was deliberately targeted.

“Obviously we have concerns that this is a direct attack on the Jewish community,” said Hatzola Northwest chairman Shloimie Richman.

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the incident as “sickening,” as authorities and community groups responded to the attack. The Community Security Trust said the arson fits a broader pattern of attacks targeting Jewish institutions and infrastructure in Europe.

Police said officers remain on scene and urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues. Despite the scale of the fire and the destruction of emergency vehicles, no injuries were reported.