Church leaders condemn antisemitic ambulance attacks

Christian leaders have been united of their condemnation of a firebomb attack on 4 ambulances operated by a Jewish charity. 

The arson on the Hatzola ambulances happened in Golders Green, London, within the early hours of Monday morning, and is believed to have been carried out by three suspects.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called it an “abhorrent crime” and has vowed to take motion against rising antisemitism that has left British Jews living in fear. 

An Iran-aligned militant group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, has claimed responsibility.

The BBC said that the claim was made on the group’s Telegram channel but has not been substantiated. 

Sir Mark Rowley, head of the Metropolitan Police, said police were “pursuing all lines of enquiry”. The attack is being investigated by counter-terror officers, although in the mean time it’s being treated as an antisemitic hate crime and never a terror incident.

Commenting on the attack, the Archbishop of Canterbury, 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 don’t have any place in our society.” 

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said it was “a very abhorrent and unjustifiable attack on the Jewish community and on all who’re engaged in health care on this country”. 

“We stand together against the bias, discrimination and hatred that results in acts of violence,” he said. 

The Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, Richard Moth, has called for unity and respect. 

“I’m shocked on the vandalism of Jewish charity Hatzola’s ambulances that serve the community in North London and condemn any attacks on faith communities,” he said.

“I pay tribute to all those that work in our ambulance services within the capital and across the country. I call on all people of religion and good will to face together to advertise respect for all.”

Golders Green is home to a big Jewish community and lots of synagogues. The Hatzola charity is run by volunteers and has served the realm since 1979. 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, “The antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green is horrifying. I’ve been in contact with Jewish community leaders this morning and can proceed to accomplish that throughout the day. An attack on our Jewish community is an attack on us all. We will fight the poison that’s antisemitism.”