Archbishop Bernard Longley, who is Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference Department for Dialogue and Unity and Consultor to the Holy See’s Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, has expressed his deep concern and solidarity with the Jewish community following the shocking arson attack that destroyed four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in the early hours of this morning, Monday 23 March.

Police are treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime after CCTV showed three individuals setting the vehicles alight before fleeing the scene, with explosions caused by onboard cylinders and nearby homes evacuated as a precaution. 

Responding to the attack, Archbishop Bernard said:

"It is with deep sadness that I express my closeness to the Jewish community following the shocking arson attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in the early hours of this morning.

"The deliberate destruction of emergency vehicles that serve people of every background is an assault on the dignity of human life itself. As we learn from police that this incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, we join our Jewish brothers and sisters in condemning any act that seeks to instil fear or undermine their sense of safety and belonging in our shared society.

"As a Consultor to the Holy See’s Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, I reaffirm that such violence contradicts the values held dearly across our faith traditions: the safeguarding of life, mutual respect, and the building of peace.

"At this painful moment, we stand together with all who reject hatred and work tirelessly for understanding and fraternity. I pray for healing for the community in Golders Green, for the swift identification of those responsible, and for renewed commitment to protect and strengthen the bonds that unite us."

Archbishop Bernard Longley

Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference Department for Dialogue and Unity.  

Archbishop Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster has also issued a statement, which can be read on the Catholic Bishops' Conference website.

CBCEW Statement on Golders Green Attack