UK counterterrorism police probe antisemitic arson attack as Iran-linked group claims responsibility

Charred remains of ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community organization, which were set on fire in an incident that the police say is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, in northwest London, Britain, March 23, 2026. (Hannah McKay/Reuters)

Authorities are examining a potential link to a newly emerged group with suspectedties to Iran.“We are aware of an online claim from a group taking responsibility for this attack,” Williams said.“Establishing the authenticity and accuracy of this claim will be a priority… but it is not something we can confirm at this point.”

Read More → Inside Iran’s military: missiles, militias and a force built for survival

“Successive U.K.Governments have completely failed in their primary duty of keeping the home front safe.Iranian terrorist activity has been known about in the U.K.for years yet no significant moves have been made to ban the IRGC or restrict the ability of regime-linked entities to function within British society.We have created the conditions for terrorism to flourish,” he said. 

He argued that Britain’s broader approach to the conflict with Iran — attempting to maintain distance while avoiding direct confrontation — has further emboldened Tehran.“The current policy on the war in Iran is delusional.The Government is pretending Britain is not involved.The Iranian regime does not, however, believe in neutrality and has decided its position for us: ripe for targeting.”

Joe Truzman, a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said in a post on X that “My initial assessment is that the attack could potentially be linked to Ashab al-Yamin, an Iran-linked group that has carried out multiple attacks against Jewish institutions across Europe since the war began… Hopefully this is something different, but the possibility that the group is involved should be examined.”

ISRAEL’S NETANYAHU DEMANDS WESTERN GOVERNMENTS ACT TO BATTLE ANTISEMITISM: ‘HEED OUR WARNINGS’

Charred remains of ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community organization, which were set on fire in an incident that the police say is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, in northwest London, Britain, March 23, 2026. (Isabel Infantes/Reuters)

Read More → FBI warns about foreign apps and your data

Police saidthey are searching for three suspects seen on CCTV pouring an accelerant onto the vehicles before igniting them.No injuries were reported, though nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. 

The attack comes amid a broader wave of violence targeting Jewish communities across Europe in recent weeks.

Read More → ‘Worst plane ride’: Airline passenger claims she was repeatedly shoved for reclining her seat

Scott Saunders, CEO of the International March of the Living, said the incident represents a dangerous escalation.“The arson attack in Golders Green… marks a dangerous escalation in the targeting of Jewish communities,” Saunders said.“Emergency vehicles operated by Jewish volunteer first responders were deliberately attacked… in direct proximity to a place of worship — a space that should represent safety.”

CANADA’S CARNEY UNDER PRESSURE TO ACT AFTER SYNAGOGUES SHOT AT IN LATEST ANTISEMITIC INCIDENTS

Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel visits the scene after four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community organization, were set on fire in an incident that the police say is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, in northwest London, Britain, March 23, 2026. (Isabel Infantes/Reuters)

“These ambulances do not only serve Jewish communities… Targeting them is an attack not only on Jewish life, but on the shared fabric of the community they serve,” he added.“Since thewar with Iranbegan, antisemitic attacks have become more frequent, more brazen, and more direct.Jewish institutions are being singled out;synagogues, community spaces, and now even the emergency services that exist to protect Jewish lives, with a growing sense that these are legitimate targets.Following the deadly shooting in and around a synagogue in Manchester last October, where this escalation already resulted in loss of life, the attack in Golders Green makes clear that this trajectory is continuing.”

Read More → Toxic people in your life may have a hidden health impact, study suggests

Dr.Charles Asher Small, founder of the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, said the attack reflects a broader trend.

“The attack against a visible Jewish target is not an isolated act of vandalism;it is the violent fruition of a climate where Jew-hatred has been normalized and institutionalized,” Small said.

ISRAELI INTEL OFFICIAL SAYS YOUR ‘JAW WOULD DROP’ AT TERROR PLOTS PREVENTED WORLDWIDE

Men hold the flag of Israel and the pre-Iranian Revolution “Lion and Sun” flag near the scene where four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community organization, were set on fire in an incident that the police say is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, in northwest London, Britain, March 23, 2026.REUTERS/Isabel Infantes(Isabel Infantes/Reuters)

“At the center of this malignancy sits the Iranian regime… which actively funds and directs the networks that view British Jewish institutions as legitimate targets,” he added.

British officials also condemned the attack.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “An attack on our Jewish community is an attack on us all.We will fight the poison that is antisemitism.”

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirviscalled the incident on X“a particularly sickening assault — not only on the Jewish community, but on the values we share as a society.”

onelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

Police secure the site near a synagogue damaged by an explosion early on Monday, in Liege, Belgium, March 9, 2026. (Yves Herman/Reuters)

“The targeting of Hatzola… is a most painful illustration of the ongoing battle between those who sanctify life and those who seek to destroy it,” he added in a statement posted March 23, 2026.

Police said there have been no arrests and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Follow her on X @efratlachter.Stories can be sent toefrat.com.