In a shocking incident early Monday, several ambulances from a Jewish volunteer rescue group were set on fire outside a synagogue in Golders Green, North London. This has been classified as an anti-Semitic attack by the police.
Residents reported loud explosions as flames lit up the night sky. Firefighters quickly arrived to tackle the blaze. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are treating the fire as a hate crime and are seeking three suspects.
Security footage captured masked individuals approaching an ambulance from Hatzola Northwest and igniting it. The time on the video shows it was just after 1:30 AM, coinciding with the nearby Machzikei Hadath synagogue.
Charlie Richards, a local resident, described hearing multiple explosions. Her videos showcased large bursts of flames shooting into the sky. Shloimie Richman, chairman of Hatzola Northwest, stated that four out of six of their ambulances were deliberately targeted, raising concerns about attacks on the Jewish community.
Superintendent Sarah Jackson reassured the local community, noting that extra patrols would be deployed. She emphasized the importance of community engagement during their investigation.
Hatzola is a vital volunteer organization that provides emergency medical services, responding to thousands of calls annually. Golders Green is known for its vibrant Jewish community, rich with synagogues and kosher establishments. This recent attack adds to a rising trend of anti-Semitic incidents in the UK. According to the Community Security Trust, anti-Semitic incidents have surged by over 30% in recent years.
This incident has drawn mixed reactions on social media, with many expressing outrage and solidarity with the Jewish community. As communities band together to combat hate, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and supportive of one another.
Emergency services continue to investigate the cause, with the explosions believed to be linked to gas canisters on the ambulances. Updates will follow as this story develops.
For more on the impact of rising hate crimes, you can refer to the latest report from the [Community Security Trust](https://cst.org.uk/).
