“No wonder people don’t feel safe”: West Midlands campaigner reacts to ambulance arson attack
A West Midlands antisemitism campaigner says Jewish communities in the region are asking “serious questions about their future” following a shocking arson attack in London.
Counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation after four ambulances used by a Jewish volunteer emergency service were set on fire in Golders Green in the early hours of Monday. The incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.
Reacting to the attack, Stephen Silverman, who is based in the West Midlands, says the impact is being felt far beyond the capital.
“I think Jews in the West Midlands feel no different to Jews in any other urban environment in the country. It is horrendous.”
He says incidents like this are fuelling growing fear within communities locally.
“It is no wonder that the Jewish community is asking very serious questions about its future in this country and if it’s safe for it to remain here.”
The ambulances belonged to Hatzola, a volunteer-run service that provides emergency medical care to people of all faiths. CCTV shows three people pouring accelerant on the vehicles before setting them alight, triggering explosions from gas canisters inside.
No injuries were reported, but nearby homes were evacuated and residents described scenes of panic in the early hours.
The Prime Minister has condemned what he called a “horrific antisemitic attack”, urging communities to stand together, while extra police patrols have been put in place around Jewish sites in London.
National figures show Jewish people are the most targeted group for religious hate crimes in England and Wales.
For campaigners in the West Midlands, the concern is not just about one incident — but what it represents.
Mr Silverman says attacks like this are contributing to a wider sense of insecurity felt by Jewish people across the UK, including in Birmingham and the wider region.