Arsonists Torch Four Jewish Charity Ambulances in London as Police Investigate Antisemitic Hate Crime.

Four ambulances belonging to the Jewish Community Ambulance service Hatzola were deliberately set on fire in the early hours of Monday, March 23, 2026, in London's Golders Green neighborhood.

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The arson attack occurred around 1:40-1:45 AM GMT when emergency services responded to reports of a fire at Highfield Road.

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The London Fire Brigade deployed six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters to extinguish the blaze.

Multiple oxygen cylinders onboard the ambulances exploded during the fire, shattering windows in an adjacent apartment building.

Miraculously, no injuries were reported in the attack that targeted vehicles marked with a Star of David.

The Metropolitan Police immediately classified the incident as an antisemitic hate crime and launched an investigation.

Counter-terrorism officers subsequently took the lead despite the attack not yet being formally classified as terrorism.

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CCTV footage appears to show three masked suspects in hoods approaching the vehicles and pouring accelerant before igniting them.

Police Superintendent Sarah Jackson confirmed that authorities are actively searching for three suspects.

Detectives are examining the authenticity of a claim of responsibility posted by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis emphasized that establishing the accuracy of this claim is a priority.

The arson attack on emergency medical vehicles has sent shockwaves through London's Jewish community.

“French time because of a fire reported in the neighborhood”

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Community leaders expressed profound distress and anger over the incident occurring in a synagogue car park.

The attack represents a disturbing escalation in targeting community infrastructure.

Hatzola Northwest provides life-saving emergency medical services free of charge to both Jewish and non-Jewish residents.

This incident follows a pattern of similar antisemitic arson attacks across Europe.

The attack comes amid a dramatic surge in antisemitic incidents in the UK, with 3,700 incidents in 2025 compared to 1,662 in 2022.

British political and religious leaders have universally condemned the attack.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as 'a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack'.

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Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the incident 'sickening' and confirmed government funding for replacement ambulances.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis condemned the 'deliberate antisemitic attack' as a 'particularly sickening assault'.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the attack as 'cowardly' and announced increased police patrols.

Despite the destruction of four vehicles, Hatzola Northwest has affirmed that its emergency response service remains fully operational.

The attack occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

“The police explained that nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, while surrounding roads were closed, with no injuries reported, and all fires were brought under control”

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Israel's embassy in Britain declared that 'antisemitism was rampant in London' and that the firebombing was 'the consequence of years of hate being tolerated'.

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Former home secretary Suella Braverman labeled the arson 'terrorism' and blamed government tolerance of antisemitism.

The attack comes just five months after a deadly antisemitic attack in Manchester during Yom Kippur celebrations.

Last week saw charges against two men accused of conducting 'hostile surveillance' of the UK's Jewish community on behalf of Iran.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has warned of a 'long and sustained threat' from Iranian plots.