LONDON (VINnews) — Replacement ambulances were delivered Tuesday to a Jewish volunteer emergency service in north London after several of its vehicles were destroyed in what authorities are investigating as an antisemitic arson attack.
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Four ambulances, loaned by the London Ambulance Service, were brought to the Golders Green area to replace vehicles operated by Hatzola that were set ablaze a day earlier.
Upon their arrival, Hatzola chairman Shloimie Richman described the attack as “the darkest day” in the organization’s nearly 50-year history.
Officials said the fire caused significant damage to the ambulances, which are used to respond to medical emergencies in the community.
A nearby synagogue also sustained fire damage, though leaders said the building remained structurally intact and reopened for prayers. Emergency crews were credited with containing the blaze and limiting further destruction.
U.K. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the government would cover the cost of the replacement vehicles until permanent ambulances are secured, adding that the Jewish community should not bear the financial burden of the attack.
Police said the incident is being treated as a hate crime. The investigation is ongoing.
Today we've provided @Hatzola with four substitute vehicles from @LDN_Ambulance so this voluntary service can continue giving emergency care to anyone in need.
We'll cover the cost of permanent replacements for those destroyed in this antisemitic attack.https://t.co/Rc9zzJM8WE pic.twitter.com/VeaqheDyLV
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 24, 2026
That is very generous to loan the ambulances to the community and then for the representative to help pay for new ones.
And everything is back to normal…..
I hope they catch the perps.