London Jewish leaders declare security crisis after arson attacks
Representatives of London’s Jewish community have declared a security crisis after a series of arson attacks that The Jerusalem Post describes as antisemitic. The incidents occurred in the British capital from March to May 2026. The London Assembly’s Fire Committee discussed the London Fire Brigade’s response, including to the arson of Hatzolah ambulance vehicles.
Attacks on Jewish sites
The meeting was attended by Community Security Trust Chief Executive Mark Gardner, Hatzolah NW representative Yanky David, London Fire Brigade Commissioner Jonathan Smith, and two other brigade commissioners.
According to Gardner, police initially did not understand what linked the attacks on various synagogues and Jewish sites and sought advice from the Community Security Trust. He noted that the common factor among the targets was that they were Jewish or, according to the group that claimed responsibility for the attacks, “Zionist.”
Gardner said that the broad range of targets — from Jewish businesses and Reform synagogues to ambulance vehicles — created a feeling within the community that anyone could be at risk. He also expressed concern that after the number of attacks declined, the attention of police, the fire service, authorities, and the government to the issue could weaken.
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Fire service response
Yanky David said that during one of the incidents, the community lost four ambulance vehicles used for emergency response. He called the event traumatic for the community and thanked the firefighters who, he said, immediately began extinguishing the fire and, together with Hatzolah representatives, helped evacuate elderly residents of neighboring residential buildings.
Last weekend, the London Fire Brigade held a demonstration at a fire station in Finchley of actions in the event of a possible terrorist attack for committee members and Jewish leaders. Brigade Commander Rob Davies stressed that emergency responders must clearly know the protocols for working during potential incidents.
Commissioner Jonathan Smith said he was proud of the fire service’s response, but also reported a significant operational burden this year. According to him, the London Fire Brigade needs direct funding from the central government to fulfill its role in national security.
