Sir Keir Starmer has said he felt “disgust” at the arson attack on four Jewish ambulances, and said that targeting the emergency vehicles is “simply horrendous”.
The prime minister, who met with Jewish community leaders on Monday, said: “The idea that we live in a society where people should feel they need to hide their identity or their religion is, frankly, abhorrent.”
The incident, which took place in Golders Green, is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime by the Metropolitan Police but not as terrorism at this stage. No arrests have been made.
The force said they are looking for three hooded suspects and are examining the authenticity of a claim of responsibility made online by a new group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which translates to the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right.
The ambulances, which belong to the volunteer-run emergency service Hatzola, were targeted in the car park of the Machzike Hadath Synagogue at around 1.45am, with no injuries reported.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said: “While this has not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage, the investigation is now being led by counter terrorism policing with all the specialist expertise they bring, and all lines of enquiry remain open.”
Key Points
- Terror police lead probe as claim of responsibility made online by group
- Sir Keir Starmer condemns 'horrific antisemitic attack' in Golders Green
- Islamist group claim responsibility on Telegram
- Chief rabbi says attack is a 'particularly sickening assault' on Jewish community
- Watch: Suspects set fire to Jewish volunteer ambulances
- Government will fund replacement of four ambulances
Pictured: Forensics inside the main cordon
16:55 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s senior reporter, Dan Haygarth, reports from Golders Green:
Anger over ‘sickening’ hate crime that targeted ‘deepest heart of the Jewish community’
16:30 , Holly EvansThe Jewish community in north London has been left “completely shocked” and “scared” after four ambulances were set alight outside a synagogue in an antisemitic hate crime.
CCTV shows three individuals settling light to the vehicles in Highfield Road in Golders Green at around 1.45am, with no injuries reported.
Jewish community leaders have condemned the attack, with the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis saying the targeting of the volunteer service was “particularly sickening”.
Read the full article here:
Anger over hate crime that targeted ‘deepest heart of the Jewish community’
Review on hate crime legislation delayed until May
16:10 , Holly EvansA report on the independent review of public order and hate crime legislation has been delayed until May.
The review, led by Lord MacDonald of River Glaven, was expected to report in February.
At Home Office questions, Shabana Mahmood told the Commons: “I am in constant discussion with Lord MacDonald, he has requested a short extension in order to deal with the matters comprehensively.
“And I think it is right that the independent review has the time it needs, but it will be brought forward very soon.”
This came in response to Labour MP for Blackley and Middleton South, Graham Stringer who urged the Home Secretary to “speed it up”.
Shadow home secretary calls for non-British antisemites to be deported
16:01 , Holly EvansAll non-British antisemites should be deported, the shadow home secretary Chris Philp has said.
Speaking in the Commons, Mr Philp said: “Does the home secretary agree that calls on our streets at marches for Jihad and Intifada are calls for violence, which fuel antisemitism, and does she agree they should no longer be allowed.
“And finally, will she ensure that all antisemites and extremists who are not British citizens get deported?”
The home secretary Shabana Mahmood responded: “This Government takes very seriously the rise in antisemitism that we’ve seen across our country.
“We are approaching this with a whole-of-Government response, my colleagues in health, in education and in the communities and local government department are all taking forward the Government’s social cohesion action plan and taking specific measures to tackle antisemitic hate crimes.
“And I know that across this House, there is unanimity by all members that there must be zero tolerance of antisemitism. He already knows that we have an independent review on public order and hate crime legislation. We will bring forward more proposals in due course.”
Mahmood vows to 'fight relentlessly' to quash antisemitism
15:53 , Holly EvansShabana Mahmood has promised to “fight relentlessly to rid our society of antisemitism”, as she urged anybody with information about the fire to come forward.
The home secretary told the Commons: “I urge anyone with information to contact the police who have the full support of my department (the Home Office).
“This incident comes at a time of soaring antisemitism in our country and today, my message to our Jewish community is clear – we stand with you, we will do everything in our power to protect you and we will fight relentlessly to rid our society of antisemitism.”
Security analysis says group that claim responsibility have links with Iran
15:47 , Holly EvansJoe Truzman, a security analyst who has been monitoring and assessing Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia’s previous attacks, believes the group is an “Iran-crafted front”.
Mr Truzman, who works for the US think tank Foundation for Defence of Democracies, told the Press Association: “I’m not surprised that we are seeing another attack, especially against a Jewish institution. We don’t know a lot about this organisation. It is certainly new.
“My suspicion is that we are observing an Iran-crafted front, meaning that this is an organisation that has been created by Iran, perhaps the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to carry out attacks specifically against Jewish institutions.”
Mr Truzman explained certain hallmarks of the group’s attacks link them to Iran, such as the wording on their logo.
He added: “Their logo with the wording is a sign of a classic Iranian front organisation.
“What we have been seeing with almost all of these attacks is that they are going after symbols of either Israel or Jewish institutions.
“Here I think we are seeing a little bit of amateurism. I don’t think this is being done by a well-established organisation. I suspect that Iran is outsourcing these attacks to criminal organisations.”
'Jews are very strong people,' says local resident
15:36 , Holly EvansOne Golders Green resident had a hopeful message for the community.
Sheina, who did not want to give her last name for safety reasons, said: “Just because three people decided to do something that’s hate-filled, does not mean my sense of safety should be threatened.
“I feel like Jews are always framed as victims because we get targeted, but I think it’s also important to point out that Jews are very strong people.
“We just want to live in peace with everyone, and it would be in everybody’s best interest for themselves to do so as well.”
Sheina, 31, added: “People should be aware that the atmosphere of appeasement leads to this.
“It is important that people stand up for the right values and join together on things that bind us together and not stay quiet and let what happened in Nazi Germany happen again.”
Home secretary says perpetrators will 'face the consequences'
15:32 , Holly EvansHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood has vowed to “pursue” anybody who may have attacked Hatzola in north-west London, and “make them face the consequences of this wicked crime”.
She told the Commons that “mercifully, no one was hurt” in the incident.
“And for that, we owe our thanks to the police and fire services who responded with speed and professionalism,” Ms Mahmood continued.
“An investigation is underway. We know the Metropolitan Police are treating this as an antisemitic hate crime and have stepped up their support to Jewish communities across London.
“That the attack was directed at Hatzola, a community ambulance service, an institution devoted to saving lives, illustrates how warped those behind this attack are.
“I am pleased that the Health Secretary (Wes Streeting) is providing replacement ambulances but clearly justice is required.
“There have as yet been no arrests, but the perpetrators must be in no doubt – we will pursue them and make them face the consequences of this wicked crime.”
Hatzola volunteer paramedics say they are 'reeling from the attack'
15:20 , Holly EvansVolunteers with the Jewish community ambulance service, Hatzola, said the community is still reeling from the attack this morning.
Yossi Pincus, a volunteer senior paramedic and the registered manager of the North West London Hatzola, said: “Everyone is still reeling from the attack.
“Despite what society has become, it is still not expected, but we soldier on.
“It has been somewhat simmering under the surface. There has definitely been a significant rise in antisemitism, and there is an intrinsic problem nationwide that does need to be addressed urgently.”
Police reports show Jewish people have highest rate of religious hate crimes
15:07 , Holly EvansThe latest official figures on hate crime recorded by police in England and Wales showed Jewish people had the highest rate of religious hate crimes targeted towards them of any faith group.
Two worshippers were killed in a deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester in October 2025, while in a separate investigation earlier this month two men were charged with allegedly spying on Jewish people and locations for Iran.
Starmer says he left 'disgust' at antisemitic attack
14:48 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer told MPs he felt “disgust” at the arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances.
The Prime Minister told the Commons Liaison Committee: “The idea that ambulances could be considered a target is simply horrendous.”
He acknowledged the impact the attack will have on the area but also “the whole Jewish community across the country, not least because this is not an isolated incident and the rise of antisemitic hatred is there for all to see”.
Sir Keir, who met Jewish community leaders in Downing Street on Monday morning, said: “The idea that we live in a society where people should feel they need to hide their identity or their religion is, frankly, abhorrent.
“Antisemitism is an old hatred, but it requires constant vigilance to overcome it.”
Forenic police officers at residential street near crime scene
14:36 , Holly EvansForensic officers are carrying out searches on a residential street near to Highfield Road.
A police cordon preventing people from entering a section of Brookside Road has been put in place.
'Jews are caught in the crossfire', Jewish community leader says
14:28 , Holly EvansKeith Black, chairman of the Jewish Leadership Council, told the Press Association: “Jews don’t feel as safe as they should.
“So yes, they should feel safe, but they feel very vulnerable today.
“I mean, we saw the attacks in Manchester. We saw Iranians arrested a couple of weeks ago for surveying Jewish establishments and we see today, and we don’t know what is around the corner.”
He added: “We’ve seen identity politics turn violent and, for one reason or another, Jews are caught in the crossfire.
“And so we do call upon all political parties to make sure that Jewish people are not caught up in this crossfire and we are allowed to live our peaceful lives.”
Starmer meets with Jewish community leaders at No10
14:18 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer met Jewish community leaders in Downing Street to discuss the Golders Green incident.
Asked if Jews in Britain should feel safe at the moment, after the meeting Michael Wegier, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “Yes, we should feel safe but anxious, I think
.“There’s a very long, thousands of years, history of Jews who have, at the same time, felt anxious but felt resilient.
“I think resilience is the key word I would use to describe what the Jewish community needs now.
“I don’t think any of us would say we feel as safe as we did five years ago. There’s clearly been a decline, the figures show that.
“I am not sensing hysteria or panic in the Jewish community. The resilience is cutting through. But I think I have to be honest, we are feeling less safe than we did a few years ago.”
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia were believed to be responsible for attacks at a Jewish site in Greece
14:04 , Bryony GoochIsrael’s ministry of foreign affairs posted on X on March 15 that Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia was “a jihadi group tied to an Iranian proxy”, responsible for attacks at a Jewish site in Greece.
It said “the IRGC continues to sponsor and export terror across the globe”.
Earlier in March, the Israeli diaspora ministry released a report which said the attacks appear to be part of intimidation and psychological warfare against Jewish communities in Europe.
Diaspora affairs and combating antisemitism minister Amichai Chikli was quoted by The Times of Israel and others as saying: “The recent events in Europe are not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing pattern of action: Terrorist networks affiliated with the Iranian axis are trying to expand their arena of operation into the cities and Jewish communities of Europe.”
The report also said that the group operates through local cells or individuals who are directed from abroad.
It highlighted that the organisation’s name is similar to one used by the Iraqi militia Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, which was described as a terrorist organisation by the US State Department.
The group’s logo also closely resembles the symbols used by Iranian-aligned militant groups, according to The Times of Israel.
Watch: Huge explosion heard as ambulances ablaze in Golders Green
14:03 , Holly EvansCharity Commission calls for people to 'speak out and stand with those being attacked'
13:55 , Bryony GoochThe Charity Commission said it is important for people to “speak out and stand with those being attacked”, following an incident of arson on ambulances which are part of the Hatzola charity.
The commission said it was offering “support and assistance” to the organisation to “support them in continuing the charity’s life-saving work”.
Its chief executive, David Holdsworth, said: “Our thoughts are with those affected by the horrendous attacks in north London. Such cowardly violence committed against those serving their community represents an attack on all of us: on the very meaning of charity, and on the respect, tolerance and community that are the hallmarks of the best of British society.
“The Commission stands with the Jewish community and the organisations that work to keep Jewish people in this country safe.
“When charities representing different parts of our society are increasingly victims of vilification and violence, it is for all of us to speak out and stand with those being attacked.
“Charities always have been and are our greatest assets in tackling hatred, building stronger communities and a better society. We have offered support and assistance to the leaders of Hatzola Northwest Trust, the charity which runs the ambulance service, and will do what we can to support them in continuing the charity’s life-saving work.”
Security services 'looking into whether Iran was behind attack'
13:48 , Bryony GoochSecurity services are believed to be investigating whether the incident was a planned Iranian attack, according to The Times.
Minister for housing Matthew Pennycook told Times Radio, when asked if Iran could be behind the attack, that he was “sure the security services will be looking into that”.
What do we know about Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia? The group that has claimed responsibility for the attack
13:43 , Bryony GoochHarakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which translates to the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, is a new terrorism group with suspected links to pro-Iranian networks, according to Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.
The group previously claimed responsibility for several attacks on Jewish sites in Belgium and the Netherlands between March 9 and March 14, according to the Israeli ministry.
They included an explosive attack at a synagogue in Liege, Belgium, an arson attack on a Rotterdam synagogue and an explosive device set off at a Jewish school in Amsterdam.
The group’s Telegram channel, which was apparently only created on Saturday, also includes a video of an attack in Amsterdam targeting an American bank.
Harakat Ashab al-Yamin was also suspected to be linked to an attack at a Jewish site in Greece, according to the Israeli diaspora ministry.
People chant against the Iranian regime outside police cordon
13:39 , Bryony GoochPeople protesting against the Iranian regime attended outside the police cordon near Highfield Road.
Chants of “long live Iran”, “long live Israel”, and “IRGC terrorist – UK put them on the list” could be heard.
They were received with a round of applause and cheering.
Resident who lives next door to where the attack happened heard a 'commotion' outside
13:30 , Bryony GoochHeidi Danciger, 22, lives in the building next to where the attack took place.
The learning support assistant was watching television when she heard a “commotion” outside and described going downstairs to see a “huge fire” while people were being evacuated from the building.
Ms Danciger said: “Once I saw the ambulance I thought that this must have been an attack and my friend couldn’t believe it.”
She said her friend, who is not from the UK, was surprised that “this actually happened in our community”.
Ms Danciger added: “It saddens everybody. It’s a personal attack to any individual in the community.”
Recap: Counter-terrorism police leading investigation into ambulance arson attack
13:18 , Bryony GoochCounter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into an arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances.
The incident in Golders Green, north-west London, is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime by the Metropolitan Police but not as terrorism at this stage, the force said.
Speaking near the scene on Monday, Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing for the area, said investigators are aware of a group apparently claiming responsibility for the attack online, but have not yet verified whether this is true.
Highfield residents evacuated after arson attack were 'afraid for their lives'
13:12 , Bryony GoochA resident of Highfield Road, who did not want to be named, said he and his wife were evacuated last night after the arson attack on four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community
With tears in his eyes, he said: “My wife was afraid for her life. People were shouting to just grab a bag and leave but did not tell us where to go. It was very scary and I’m still shaking now.”
He said there has been no communication with officials since he was evacuated this morning.
“We know people who live here with babies, and a lady who suffers from MS, and I haven’t been able to get in touch with them to check they are okay. I am so emotional about it.”
He added: “There is security at the synagogue during the day, but I am not sure at night. We need a fence or something to protect us now.”
Watch: Counter-terrorism police investigating antisemitic arson attack on ambulances
13:00 , Holly EvansLocal resident says attack was a 'spiteful, pathetic, disgusting act'
12:56 , Holly EvansLocal resident Gedale Weinberg, 56, was awoken during the early hours by the fire, and said that his wife began to cry upon hearing a second explosion.
“They destroyed four ambulances, possibly five written off, destroyed them,” he said.
“Ambulances which cater not only to Jews but to Sikhs, to Muslims, to Christians, to Buddhists, to anyone who needs help, free of charge and to take them to hospital.
“This was a strategic, heinous, spiteful, pathetic, disgusting act what they did. They knew exactly what they were doing, had to cripple us.”
Mr Weinberg, who has lived in Golders Green since 1969, said the area had changed “dramatically for the worse” and said that he was running for Reform UK as a local councillor in the May elections.
“If I wouldn’t be running for office, I’d pack up and leave,” he said.
'Highly lamentable' that synagogues and schools 'function behind walls'
12:45 , Holly EvansChief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said it is “highly lamentable” that synagogues, schools and other Jewish facilities “can now only function behind walls, behind gates”.
Asked if there is more the Government could be doing to ensure the security of British Jews, he told the Press Association: “We are grateful for the significant amount of security which is being provided to us by our Government in the same way as previous governments have provided, together with police forces.
“You can never have too much security. The more we get, the better.
“Isn’t it highly lamentable that our synagogues, our schools, our Jewish facilities, can now only function behind walls, behind gates? But that’s the reality of the situation.
“But together with that, while we are so shocked today and so saddened, nothing’s going to terrorise or intimidate us to stop functioning in genuine strength.”
Islamist group claim responsibility on Telegram
12:34 , Holly EvansA video has allegedly been posted on Telegram by an Islamist group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin, showing a map of the location where the ambulances were kept and footage of them on fire.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said: “We are aware of an online claim from a group taking responsibility for this attack. Establishing the authenticity and accuracy of this claim will be a priority for the investigation team, but it is not something we can confirm at this point.”
CCTV shows three people in hoods pouring accelerant on the vehicles, which belong to Jewish community ambulance service, Hatzola, before setting them on fire and running away.
Chief rabbi says Jewish community will not 'be cowed'
12:28 , Holly EvansThe Jewish community will not be “cowed” or “intimidated” following the overnight arson attack on ambulances in north London, the chief rabbi has said.
Sir Ephraim Mirvis said: “Our response is one of strength, of fortitude, of resilience. The synagogue alongside which this happened, they’re going to be back in action, afternoon service, evening service, today.
“And in fact, our response will be not only to continue in strength, but we’re going to be much stronger, because we’re not going to be cowed.
“We’re not going to be intimidated by terrorists, and this was a terrorist attack.
“Nothing’s going to stop us from standing tall as Jews and behaving in a way, according to our tradition, as proud British citizens.”
Watch: Wes Streeting condemns 'act of evil' antisemitic arson attack on Golders Green ambulances
12:22 , Holly EvansArchbishop of Canterbury condemns 'appalling' antisemitic attack
12:13 , Holly EvansThe Archbishop of Canterbury condemned the “appalling antisemitic attack” in London.
Dame Sarah Mullally said: “My prayers are with the Jewish community after the appalling antisemitic attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green.
“Such acts of violence, hatred and intimidation have no place in our society.”
My prayers are with the Jewish community after the appalling antisemitic attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green.
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@ArchbishopSarah) March 23, 2026
Such acts of violence, hatred and intimidation have no place in our society. pic.twitter.com/a6dxPzYmnV
Reform's London mayor candidate calls for 'zero tolerance approach' to antisemitism
12:11 , Holly EvansLaila Cunningham, Reform’s London mayoral candidate, has been speaking to the Jewish community in Golders Green following the ambulance arson attack.
Ms Cunningham said: “We have had a terrorist attack in our city, and as we all know that an attack on the Jewish community is an attack on all of London.
“Every Jewish person should be terrified, but so should every Londoner.
“If we don’t protect every single community and we allow the glorification of any kind of intimidation of any group, in particular, now the Jewish group, then our streets belong to extremists, and no longer belong to us.”
She added: “The Jewish community doesn’t want a mayor to act after something’s happened. They want to prevent it.
“What they really need is visible protection, visible policing as a baseline, not just as a reaction to terrorism.
“They also want a zero-tolerance approach to any kind of glorification of intimidation of the Jewish community.
Met Police 'stepping up' support for Jewish communities
11:54 , Holly EvansDetective chief superintendent Luke Williams said the Metropolitan Police will be “stepping up” support for Jewish communities across London following the attack.
He said: “We have already spoken to local community and faith leaders and will continue that work today. A specific policing plan focused on key community locations across the area is under way and will continue beyond the coming days as we move towards Passover in early April.
“This attack comes at a time when fears are already heightened given global events and recent attacks targeting Jewish communities in other parts of Europe.
“The Met Police stands shoulder to shoulder with our partners and communities. Together we take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.
“We are stepping up our support to Jewish communities across London to engage, offer reassurance and take practical action to protect people and property.”
Terror police lead probe as claim of responsibility made online by group
11:42 , Holly EvansCounter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the arson of four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green overnight, Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said.
Speaking at the scene of the fires, he said the attack has not been declared as a terrorist incident at this stage, while officers examine the authenticity of a claim of responsibility made online.
Police are looking for three hooded suspects and no arrests have yet been made.
He said: “We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage. CCTV footage appears to show three people in hoods pouring an accelerant on to the vehicles before igniting them and fleeing.
“While this has not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage, the investigation is now being led by counter terrorism policing with all the specialist expertise they bring, and all lines of enquiry remain open.
“We are aware of an online claim from a group taking responsibility for this attack. Establishing the authenticity and accuracy of this claim will be a priority for the investigation team but it is not something we can confirm at this point.
“There have been no arrests at this early stage, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible – you can do so anonymously if you wish.”
Investigation being led by counter-terrorism police
11:39 , Holly EvansAn investigation into an arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances is being led by counter-terror police although it is not yet being treated as terror-related, the Metropolitan Police said.
Police give update
11:38 , Holly EvansThe Metropolitan Police have begun giving an update on their investigation from the scene in Golders Green.
We’ll be bringing you all the latest updates.
Local author whose relative survived Auschwitz says attack was 'not shocking'
11:36 , Holly EvansDov Forman, 22, is a local author and campaigner against antisemitism.
He is the great-grandson of Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert, who passed away in October 2024.
Mr Forman said his great-grandmother had been helped multiple times by the ambulance service, adding: “Everyone here will have a story about Hatzola, the incredible work they do to save lives every single day.”
On the alleged arson attack, he said it was “not shocking”.
He said: “I think ultimately people are relieved this is an attack on ambulances instead of a synagogue or one of the schools.”
The local resident said the Jewish community “can’t just keep besieging ourselves”.
He said he knows young Jewish people who are leaving the country because they do not feel safe, adding: “This will only add to that.”
BMA criticises 'reprehensible' attacks on healthcare services
11:24 , Holly EvansThe British Medical Association (BMA) criticised “deliberate attacks on healthcare services” as “reprehensible” after Jewish community ambulances were set on fire in London.
BMA council chairman Dr Tom Dolphin said: “We are appalled to see this attack on ambulances that provide an important service to people in north London.
“Antisemitism is abhorrent, and deliberate attacks on healthcare services are reprehensible, and this horrendous incident involves both. It is a relief that no-one was injured, but this makes the attack no less sickening.
“Our thoughts are with the Jewish community in north London and across the UK.”
In pictures: Wreckage of four ambulances after overnight arson attack
11:15 , Holly Evans
Government will fund replacement of four ambulances
11:07 , Holly EvansThe government will also fund the replacement of four Jewish community ambulances, Mr Streeting said.
Speaking about the attack from north London, Mr Streeting said the prime minister and home secretary would have more to say, adding: “But when it comes to our response today, to support our friends in the community with the ambulance service, with London Ambulance Service, will today be providing additional support to make sure that the charity is supported to respond to anyone in need.
“So the important message to the local Jewish community, indeed, to Londoners more widely, if you need help from the ambulance service, that they seek it, we will be there for you, but the Jewish community should not be left footing the bill for this despicable attack, which is why tomorrow morning, at the latest, we will have four ambulances in place to replace those that have been destroyed, and we’ll be working to replace those ambulances on a permanent basis, and we will fund the replacement of those ambulances.
“Those responsible for this attack must know that the Jewish community will not face up to this hatred alone. The whole country will stand with them.”
Wes Streeting says attack was aimed to make British Jews 'be less visible'
11:02 , Holly EvansAn attack on four Jewish community ambulances was aimed at making British Jews “be less visible” and “fear going about” their lives, Wes Streeting said as he pledged extra health support.
Speaking at the scene of the attack in north London, the Health Secretary said: “The aim of these attackers is clear. They want Jewish people in this country to live smaller lives, to live less Jewish lives, to be less visible as Jewish people, to fear going about Jewish life.”
He added: “I know that the Jewish community will not be cowed by this despicable act of evil, but it is the responsibility of the rest of us not to be bystanders.
“Every decent person in this country needs to stand up and speak up against this vile antisemitic hatred. And of course, the best form of solidarity is practical solidarity, which is why today, our London Ambulance Service colleagues will be providing support to the team here in Golders Green to make sure that we don’t skip a beat when it comes to responding to emergency callouts.”
Watch: Suspects set fire to Jewish volunteer ambulances
10:59 , Holly EvansChief rabbi says attack is a 'particularly sickening assault' on Jewish community
10:58 , Holly EvansThe Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said in a statement on X: “The deliberate arson attacks against Hatzola ambulances in London are a particularly sickening assault – not only on the Jewish community, but on the values we share as a society.
“Our Hatzola volunteer ambulance corps is an extraordinary service, whose sole mission is to protect life, Jewish and non-Jewish alike.
“The targeting of Hatzola by people so committed to terror, hatred and the desecration of life is a most painful illustration of the ongoing battle between those who sanctify life and those who seek to destroy it.
“At a time when Jewish communities around the world are facing a growing pattern of these violent attacks, we will meet this moment with shared resolve and stand together against hatred and intimidation.”
The deliberate arson attacks against Hatzola ambulances in London are a particularly sickening assault - not only on the Jewish community, but on the values we share as a society.
— Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) March 23, 2026
Our Hatzola volunteer ambulance corps is an extraordinary service, whose sole mission is to…
Sir Keir Starmer condemns 'horrific antisemitic attack' in Golders Green
10:56 , Holly EvansPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for communities to “all stand together” in the face of an “horrific antisemitic attack”, which saw four Jewish community ambulances set on fire.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, with CCTV showing three individuals setting light to an ambulance in the early hours of Monday morning.
There were no injuries reported in the attack on the Jewish community ambulance service, Hatzola, in Highfield Road, Golders Green, north-west London, around 1.45am, and no arrests have yet been made.
Jewish community leaders condemned the attack, with the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis saying the targeting of the volunteer service was “particularly sickening”.
Investigators are working to identify who carried out the attack. It is understood to be too early to say if it was inspired by a particular group.
