Four ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola were set ablaze in an arson attack early Monday in Golders Green, North London. The Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as 'a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack' on social media, stating 'Antisemitism has no place in our society.' The fire, reported around 1:45 a.m. local time, caused significant damage to the vehicles and led to the evacuation of nearby homes. Oxygen cylinders on the ambulances exploded, shattering windows in an adjacent building. No arrests have been made yet, but police identified three suspects seen on CCTV footage pouring accelerant onto the vehicles before igniting them and fleeing.

A group claiming responsibility posted a video on Telegram early Monday, attributing the attack to an 'Iran-aligned multinational militant collective.' While the police stated establishing the claim's authenticity is a priority, they have not yet declared the attack a terrorist incident. The same group previously claimed responsibility for attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands earlier this month, though authorities there have not confirmed those claims. The attack occurred amidst a wave of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions across Europe and the United States. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the targeting of ambulances as 'a particularly sickening assault' on shared values, emphasizing Hatzola's mission to protect life regardless of faith.

The investigation is now being led by counterterrorism police. Officers will increase patrols in the area to provide reassurance. The broader context of rising antisemitism in Europe makes this attack particularly concerning, highlighting vulnerabilities for Jewish communities and emergency services operating in public spaces.