Iran-Linked Group Claims London Ambulance Attack As Antisemitism Fears Rise In Europe

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

LONDON (Worthy News) – An Islamic group linked to Iran claimed responsibility Monday for what residents and officials described as an “antisemitic hate crime” terror attack on four volunteer ambulances run by a Jewish group in London, the latest in a series of attacks targeting European Jews.

The British capital’s Golders Green area, with its large Jewish community, was awakened early Monday by firefighters rushing to the scene where they found the vehicles burning.

Witnesses said cylinders stored on the vehicles, parked next to a synagogue, had exploded, breaking windows in a nearby building.

The Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI) group, meaning “Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right,” claimed responsibility for the attack in a video posted on its recently created Telegram channel.

SIMILAR INCIDENTS IN EUROPE

The group, which the SITE monitoring service said was aligned with Iran, has also claimed similar attacks in Belgium and in the Netherlands.

In Belgium, authorities reported a recent attack targeting a synagogue in Liège, while in the Netherlands incidents in recent weeks have also struck Jewish institutions, including a synagogue in Rotterdam and a Jewish school in Amsterdam, raising broader concerns about the security of Jewish communities across Europe.

Back in London, residents warned Monday of growing antisemitism after the overnight attack, which targeted ambulances operated by the volunteer Hatzola emergency service.

“How could anyone do that to ambulances?” asked a local resident, reflecting widespread shock in the neighborhood.

COMMUNITY SHOCK AND RESPONSE

Many in Golders Green rely on the service, which provides free emergency medical transport and response in the area.

British counterterrorism police are leading the investigation, though officials said it was too early to determine whether the incident would be formally classified as terrorism.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said verifying the authenticity of the group’s claim would be a priority.

He added that CCTV footage appeared to show three suspects pouring an accelerant on the vehicles before setting them on fire and fleeing the scene.

POLICE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

The attack drew swift condemnation from senior officials, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it “horrific” and urged unity against antisemitism.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said the community would not be intimidated, describing the attack as targeting a service that helps “Jewish and non-Jewish alike.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said police patrols would be increased to reassure residents, though members of the Jewish community expressed concern that antisemitism would not disappear any time soon.

The arson attack comes amid a broader rise in antisemitic incidents in Britain and across Europe since the outbreak of war in Gaza.

RISING ANTISEMITISM CONCERNS

Recent cases include a deadly synagogue attack in Manchester during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur last year and foiled plots targeting Jewish gatherings.

Officials and community leaders warn that continued incitement and violence could further destabilize Jewish life in Europe, with a growing number of Jews reportedly considering “Aliyah,” the Hebrew term for immigration to Israel.

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