In response to the attacks on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, north London, the Secretary of State confirmed the government has arranged for replacement ambulances to be provided on loan from the London Ambulance Service and will cover the cost of replacements for the vehicles destroyed.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: "The aim of these attackers is clear - they want Jewish people in this country to live smaller lives, to live less Jewish lives, to be less visible as Jewish people, and to fear going about Jewish life - whether that’s attending school or providing the services and support that makes the Jewish community one of the most resilient, strong, and proud communities in the country. Anti-Semitism is an old hatred, but it is alive and kicking in our country, and all of us, particularly those who are not Jewish, have to wake up, stand up, and work with our Jewish friends and neighbours in confronting and defeating this despicable hatred", he stated.
Also the Rt Revd Dr Anderson Jeremiah, the Bishop of Edmonton has responded to the arson attack in Golders Green that took place yesterday. He said: “As a resident of Golders Green, I am appalled by the cowardly and mindless arson attack on a local medical emergency charity last night. This act of violence is a direct assault on the values of care and compassion that define our neighbourhood. We must stand firm against the fringe elements seeking to fracture our peace. As Jesus Christ said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”, may we actively seek Peace and Love in our midst. We stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish neighbours. Let there be peace.”
The ambulances owned by Hatzola were set ablaze in Golders Green in the early hours of Monday, leading to an investigation led by the Metropolitan Police's counter-terror unit. No arrests have been made, but the Met said the investigation is looking at an Islamist group with potential links to Iran which has claimed responsibility for a number of similar arson incidents across Europe.
