Hatzola’s life-saving service remains “unbroken” despite Monday’s arson attack against its ambulances in Golders Green, its chair has said.
Four of the volunteer-led charity’s emergency vehicles were set ablaze in the early hours of Monday morning.
CCTV from the scene shows three individuals, hooded, masked and dressed in black, walking calmly over to the parked vehicles.
One of the suspects is carrying a bag, and takes something from it before the group is blocked from view by the ambulances.
A few seconds later, flames begin to engulf the vehicles, which are parked on a residential street near the Machzike Hadath Synagogue.
The attack has prompted outrage from community groups and across the political spectrum, with calls growing for stronger action against antisemitic crime.
However, despite the attack, Laurence Blitz, Chair of Trustees for Hatzola UK, said: “What happened… is shocking in the extreme. The emergency services were magnificent and we are deeply grateful.
"However, our phones haven’t stopped, our volunteers are responding to call-outs, and our service continues unbroken.”
Hatzola responds to call-outs from everybody in the area, not just Jews, and often arrive faster than the mainstream Ambulance service, saving lives.
“We have no time to grieve,” Blitz added.
The attack, which police are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime, was met with an outpouring of support from Jews and non-Jews alike.
Fundraisers set up to raise money to help Hatzola recover have now raised around £1.5 million.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting also announced on Monday that the government would fund the replacement of the ambulances, and loan NHS ambulances whilst the permanent ones are on their way.
Blitz said: “We are grateful to the London Ambulance Service and St John’s Ambulance who have loaned us vehicles, to the Government who offered to replace the ambulances we have lost, and to the Health Secretary and our MP for their support.”
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the local area, added: “We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries. We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage. We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage.
“There have been no arrests yet, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible - you can do so anonymously if you wish.
“We will be engaging with faith leaders and carrying out additional patrols in the local area as we continue our investigation to provide reassurance and a highly visible presence.”
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