Arson Attack on Jewish Ambulances in London Investigated as Antisemitic Hate Crime

In the early hours of March 23, 2026, four ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest, a Jewish volunteer emergency medical service, were set ablaze in Golders Green, a neighborhood in London with a significant Jewish population. The Metropolitan Police are treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime, although it has not been classified as a terrorist act. No injuries were reported, but the explosions from gas canisters on the ambulances caused windows to shatter in nearby residential buildings, prompting evacuations.

Golders Green fire- Four Hatzola ambulances set ablaze in LondonTimes of IsraelAssociated PressTND - The National Desk

Eyewitness Mark Reisner described the scene, stating he heard loud explosions and arrived just as the third ambulance was engulfed in flames. He expressed feelings of confusion and shock among local residents. The attack has heightened fears within the Jewish community, which has already been experiencing an increase in antisemitic incidents since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. Shomrim, a neighborhood watch organization, condemned the attack as a targeted assault on a vital community service.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the arson as a "horrific" antisemitic attack, emphasizing that "antisemitism has no place in our society." He urged anyone with information to come forward to assist the police investigation. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams noted that while the investigation is being led by counter-terrorism officers, they are still exploring all lines of inquiry, including claims of responsibility from a group linked to Iranian terror networks.

Times of Israel

The Community Security Trust reported a significant rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK, with 3,700 incidents recorded in 2025, a dramatic increase from 1,662 in 2022. This surge is attributed to the escalating violence in the Middle East and its repercussions on Jewish communities worldwide. Local officials, including Golders Green councillor Dean Cohen, criticized the government for not doing enough to combat rising antisemitism, stating that the attack on ambulances stationed at a synagogue is particularly alarming.

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In response to the attack, fundraising efforts for Hatzola have rapidly gained momentum, with over half a million pounds raised within hours. Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting pledged to provide four replacement ambulances to support the community's emergency services.

Times of Israel

While the police have not made any arrests, they are actively searching for three suspects captured on security footage. The investigation continues as authorities examine CCTV evidence and seek public assistance. The incident has drawn comparisons to recent antisemitic attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands, highlighting a troubling trend of violence against Jewish communities.

Associated Press

• “Antisemitism has no place in our society and it's really important that we all stand together at a moment like this,” — Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister

TND - The National Desk

• “This was not only a criminal act of arson, but a targeted and deeply concerning incident affecting a vital emergency service serving the local Jewish community.” — Shomrim, Neighborhood Watch Organization

Golders Green fire- Four Hatzola ambulances set ablaze in London

• “The targeting of life-saving vehicles stationed in the car park of a synagogue is particularly chilling and will send shockwaves through our community at a time of already heightened fears over antisemitism in the UK,” — Dean Cohen, Golders Green Councillor

Times of Israel

This incident underscores the urgent need for community vigilance and effective measures to combat rising antisemitism in the UK.

Golders Green fire- Four Hatzola ambulances set ablaze in London