Arabic version: رد فعل المجتمع اليهودي على إحراق سيارات الإسعاف الخيرية في لندن

In the early hours of Monday, four Jewish charity-run ambulances were set ablaze in Golders Green, a suburb in north-west London, an incident now being investigated as an antisemitic hate crime. The attack resulted in explosions that shattered windows in nearby buildings and led to the evacuation of local residents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The London Fire Brigade responded to the scene around 01:40 GMT, where three of the five ambulances operated by Hatzola, a Jewish-led nonprofit providing emergency medical services, were completely destroyed. The explosions also caused damage to the nearby synagogue, with stained-glass windows blown out and smoke affecting the structure.

According to BBC News, community leaders expressed shock at the attack, although many felt it was not entirely unexpected. Jack Taub, a member of the leadership team of the Machzike Hadath Synagogue, remarked that while it was shocking, the community was aware of the risks they face. Local councillor Shimon Ryde echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the ongoing dangers for the Jewish community.

The Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis condemned the attack as a “particularly sickening assault” on shared societal values, highlighting Hatzola’s mission to protect lives without discrimination. The Jewish Leadership Council also expressed outrage over the targeting of vital ambulance services, noting a broader increase in antisemitic incidents across the UK.

Statistics from the Community Security Trust indicate a significant rise in antisemitic hate crimes, with 3,700 incidents recorded in 2025 alone. This reflects a troubling trend, particularly following the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza in 2023. The Home Office reported that Jewish individuals experience the highest rate of religious hate crimes in England and Wales, further underscoring the urgent need for effective measures against antisemitism.