Archbishop of Westminster and other faith leaders condemn arson attacks on Jewish ambulances

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer urged communities to stand together after the ‘horrific antisemitic attack’ in which four Jewish community ambulances were set on fire.

Archbishop of Westminster Richard Moth said, “I am shocked at the vandalism of ambulances that serve the Jewish community in North London and condemn any attacks on faith communities. I pay tribute to all those who work in our ambulance services in the capital and across the country. I call on all people of faith and good will to stand together to promote respect for all.”

CCTV evidence showed three people setting fire to one of the ambulances early this morning in Golders Green, where the Jewish community ambulance service, Hatzola, is based.

Archbishop of Birmingham Bernard Longley, a consultor to the Holy See’s Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, said: “With deep sadness, I express my closeness to the Jewish community following the shocking arson attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in the early hours of this morning. The deliberate destruction of emergency vehicles that serve people of every background is an assault on the dignity of human life itself. As we learn from police that this incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, we join our Jewish brothers and sisters in condemning any act that seeks to instil fear or undermine their sense of safety and belonging in our shared society.”

He added, “I reaffirm that such violence contradicts the values held dearly across our faith traditions: the safeguarding of life, mutual respect, and the building of peace. At this painful moment, we stand together with all who reject hatred and work tirelessly for understanding and fraternity. I pray for healing for the community in Golders Green, for the swift identification of those responsible, and for renewed commitment to protect and strengthen the bonds that unite us.”

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said, “The deliberate arson attacks against Hatzola ambulances in London are a particularly sickening assault – not only on the Jewish community, but on the values we share as a society. Our Hatzola volunteer ambulance corps is an extraordinary service, whose sole mission is to protect life, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. The targeting of Hatzola by people so committed to terror, hatred and the desecration of life is a most painful illustration of the ongoing battle between those who sanctify life and those who seek to destroy it.

“At a time when Jewish communities around the world are facing a growing pattern of these violent attacks, we will meet this moment with shared resolve and stand together against hatred and intimidation.”

Sir Keir Starmer said, “This is a horrific antisemitic attack. And of course my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with those in the vicinity, the residents who are understandably very concerned, the Jewish community across the country deeply concerned.” He added, “Antisemitism has no place in our society and it’s really important that we all stand together at a moment like this.””

Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally said, “My prayers are with the Jewish community after the appalling anti-Semitic attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green. Such acts of violence, hatred, and intimidation have no place in our society.”

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said, “This is a completely abhorrent and unjustifiable attack on the Jewish community and on all who are engaged in health in this country. We stand together against prejudice, discrimination, and hatred that leads to acts of violence.”

Stay updated — add us as a preferred news source on Google: