Jewish volunteer ambulances set on fire outside London synagogue in antisemitic attack

Key Points:

• Several ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer rescue organization Hatzola Northwest were deliberately set on fire outside a synagogue in Golders Green, London’s largest Jewish community, in an antisemitic arson attack early Monday.
• Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, treating it as an antisemitic hate crime; an Islamist group has allegedly claimed responsibility, but police have not confirmed this.
• The attack caused explosions due to gas canisters on board the ambulances, with four of six vehicles destroyed; no arrests have been made yet, and three suspects are being sought.
• British leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, condemned the attack as an assault on the Jewish community and British values, pledging support and replacement of the ambulances.
• The incident highlights a rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK, with record levels reported in 2023, prompting concern from community leaders and calls for increased security measures.