Ministers must take stronger action to “eliminate the ancient scourge of antisemitism” following the alarming firebombing of four ambulances used by the Jewish community in Golders Green, according to Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp.
In the early hours of Monday, three men set fire to the vehicles belonging to the volunteer service Hatzola, raising concerns about a possible “terror cell” on the loose. Intelligence officials have not ruled out the involvement of Iran, referred to as “a Middle East country.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the attack, describing it as “so warped it defies words” and noting that British Jews are now fearful of sending their children to school or going to hospital appointments.
A previously unknown group, named Ashab al-Yamin — also referred to as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right — claimed responsibility for the attack. An unverified video posted on Telegram showed the ambulances in flames and indicated that the Machzike Hadath Synagogue was the primary target, referencing a visit by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in support of Israel in 2024.
Philp said: “This is a hideous antisemitic attack on a charity which provides vital ambulance services.
“The Jewish community has been targeted again and again – including in the Islamist attack on Heaton Park synagogue last autumn.
“Whoever is guilty of this sickening crime must go to jail for a long time – and if they are not British citizens, they must then be deported.
“We must make sure that the UK is safe for our Jewish community and we must relentlessly work to eliminate the ancient scourge of antisemitism.”
Philp added: “The truth is, the government has been asleep at the wheel on antisemitism. We have seen a recent antisemitic murder and a surge in antisemitism.
“But too little has been done – as this morning’s outrage demonstrates.
“Antisemitism often goes hand in hand with Islamist extremism.
“We must also do more to prevent antisemitic attacks happening in the first place.
“So will the Minister commit to authorising the use of intrusive surveillance powers usually reserved for counter-terrorism or counter-state threats to also be used to identify and prevent antisemitic attacks which are in the planning?”
Jack Taub, a member of the synagogue’s leadership, remarked, “We noticed people staking out the synagogue. We increased our security, but this was a calculated attack.”
He told the Telegraph: “We have noticed people staking out the synagogue. We upped a lot of security, but it was a calculated attack.”
Alex Gandler, the Israeli spokesman in the UK said: “The arson attack against Hatzola ambulances in north-west London is a manifestation of the hatred and evil that was once again allowed to pour through the streets of London this past Saturday.
“It is the predictable consequence of years of tolerated incitement, vitriol and hostility directed at Jews.
“There has been a profound failure of responsibility, and a collapse of priorities that runs directly against the most basic standards of decency. And this cannot end with words alone.
“There must be a full and thorough investigation, those responsible must be found and prosecuted, and the climate of intimidation that made such an attack possible must finally be confronted.”
