Ambulances Torched in Hate Crime: Jewish Community Reacts

Ambulances Torched in Hate Crime: Jewish Community Reacts

Four volunteer ambulances belonging to the Jewish community’s Hatzalah service were set ablaze early Tuesday morning in North London. Police are investigating the incident as an anti-semitic hate crime. The fires occurred near a synagogue in Golders Green, a neighborhood with a significant Jewish population. Residents reported the burning vehicles around 1:30 AM. The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, though many expressed that they are not surprised given the rise in anti-semitic incidents.

“Shocked But Not Surprised”

Rabbi Akiva Rosenbloom, a trained Hatzalah volunteer and leader of the Hampstead Synagogue, described the community’s reaction as “absolutely shocked” but “not surprised.” He noted that anti-semitism has been a growing concern, and this attack feels like a new low. “I think it’s taken anti-semitism to a new low even in the UK,” Rabbi Rosenbloom stated. He added that many are left “lost for words” by the severity of the act.

Former MP Links Attack to Broader Issues

Mike Freer, a former Conservative Member of Parliament for the area, whose constituency office was targeted by arson two years ago, shared his dismay. He highlighted the dangerous proximity of the attack, noting that the burning ambulances were next to a block of flats. “The people who’ve done this, not only did they want to attack the Jewish community, but also were completely um not bothered that actually just people sleeping in their beds could easily have been damaged and hurt as well,” Freer said. He described a pattern of escalating incidents in the community, including graffiti, vandalism, and verbal abuse, making the current attack sadly unsurvivable. Freer believes such acts increase when there are conflicts in the Middle East, stating, “people cannot differentiate between what is going on in the Middle East and what is a, you know, a British Jewish community that simply want to get on with their lives and practice their faith quietly.”

Calls for Stronger Action and Education

Both Freer and Rabbi Rosenbloom emphasized that increased policing and security, while welcome, do not address the root causes of anti-semitism. Freer called for more severe consequences for perpetrators, suggesting serious prison sentences instead of minor penalties. He also proposed revoking citizenship and deporting non-British citizens involved in such hate crimes. Freer also pointed to how France and Germany handle demonstrations, where individuals who overstep are immediately removed, contrasting it with what he sees as a less immediate response in the UK. Rabbi Rosenbloom stressed the need for comprehensive education about British values and the Jewish community in schools and public life. “We have to address that for,” he stated, referring to the underlying issue of people viewing Jews as a fair target.

Government Condemnation and Investigation

The government has strongly condemned the attack. Minister Matthew Parnock confirmed the police are investigating it as an anti-semitic hate crime. He also mentioned that security services are looking into whether the attack was organized or had any links to Iran. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Sky News, “This is a horrific anti-semitic attack.” He expressed his thoughts are with the affected community and residents, adding, “Anti-semitism has no place in our society and it’s really important that we all stand together at a moment like this.”

Hatzalah: A Lifesaving Service for All

Rabbi Rosenbloom clarified the role of Hatzalah, explaining it is a volunteer-led ambulance service funded by the Jewish community. Crucially, it responds to all calls, regardless of the caller’s background. “It is a life-saving service and they do not differentiate or discriminate on who’s calling,” he asserted. The service was established to help alleviate the strain on the National Health Service (NHS), which can experience long waiting times for emergency responses. Hatzalah volunteers, who undergo serious training, use their own cars for quicker responses and have dedicated ambulances for more severe emergencies. Rabbi Rosenbloom acknowledged that the existence of Hatzalah is “a sad indictment of the NHS to a certain extent.”

Personal Experiences and Resilience

When asked about feeling safe, Rabbi Rosenbloom admitted there are times he feels fearful, especially when walking visibly as a Jewish person. However, he remains resolute in his commitment to wearing his kippah and tzitzit with pride. He shared a personal experience of an anti-semitic incident two weeks prior, where he felt the police response was insufficient, stating they could only deal with “life and death” situations and not other serious calls. Despite these challenges, Rabbi Rosenbloom emphasized the resilience of the Jewish community. “We recognize that we’re going to stand strong and stand tall and know that even things like this cannot defeat us,” he declared.

Community Support and Future Outlook

Hatzalah is currently running an emergency appeal to replace the destroyed ambulances, with details available online. The organization stresses its commitment to saving all lives, countering anti-semitic tropes that suggest it serves only the Jewish community. The incident has highlighted the ongoing struggle against anti-semitism in the UK and the need for continued vigilance and support for targeted communities. The community’s determination to remain resilient in the face of such attacks is a testament to their enduring spirit.

Source: ‘Shocked But Not Surprised’: Jewish Community React To Arson Attack On Hatzalah Ambulances (YouTube)