Four Jewish charity-run ambulances were deliberately set on fire outside a synagogue in London's Golders Green neighborhood early Monday morning. The attack occurred around 1:45 AM at the Machzike Hadath Synagogue, where Hatzola Northwest operates its volunteer emergency medical service.
Key Takeaways
Four Jewish charity-run ambulances were deliberately set on fire outside a London synagogue early Monday morning, with an Islamist group claiming responsibility. Authorities are investigating potential Iranian links as national security cases involving hostile states have surged by 50% in six months.
- Arson attack destroyed three Hatzola ambulances and damaged another
- Islamist group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia claimed responsibility on Telegram
- UK authorities examining potential Iran connections amid surge in national security threats
- Four replacement ambulances delivered by the government, with costs covered
- Police deployed 264 extra officers to protect Jewish communities ahead of Passover
The incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime by UK authorities, who are also investigating potential terrorist motives and links to Iran. Three of the five ambulances were completely destroyed while another was partially damaged. Oxygen cylinders on board caused explosions that shattered windows in nearby residential buildings and forced evacuations.
No injuries were reported, though residents described being shaken by loud bangs throughout the night. A video circulating online shows three figures in black hooded clothing setting fire to one ambulance, but no arrests have been made as of Monday afternoon.
An Islamist group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia claimed responsibility for the attack on Telegram. The same group previously claimed attacks against Jewish targets in Belgium and Netherlands. UK authorities are examining potential links between this newly emerged organization and Iranian networks, though no connection has been confirmed yet.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from political and religious leaders across the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a 'horrific' antisemitic attack while Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described it as a 'particularly sickening assault.' The Community Security Trust recorded 3,700 anti-Jewish hate incidents in 2025 alone.
Metropolitan Police have increased security for Jewish schools, synagogues and community centers ahead of Passover next month. Some members of the community criticize Starmer's Labour Party government for failing to prevent pro-Palestinian demonstrations from tipping into anti-Jewish speech and acts.
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