The Prime Minster should do more to tackle antisemitism, according to Jewish community leaders, speaking in the aftermath of the Golders Green arson attack.
Rabbi Levi Shapiro, founder of the Jewish Community Council (JCC), told City News that though the Jewish community appreciates the PM’s support, more needs to be done to tackle the route cause. He said:
“If he really wants to do something and support the community, then he should deal with the core problem.”
Four ambulances belonging to Hatzola were destroyed in a suspected arson attack in Golders Green, prompting a counter-terrorism investigation.
The vehicles were set alight in the early hours of Monday in the north London neighbourhood, which has one of the largest Jewish populations in London.
Police have described the incident as an antisemitic hate crime, though inquiries into a possible terror link are ongoing.
The attack has been widely condemned, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it a “deeply shocking, antisemitic attack” and urging communities to stand together.
The ambulance service, which provides free emergency care to people of all backgrounds, said it would continue operating despite the damage.
A protester shows a banner at Golders Green in London, Monday, March 23, 2026 after an apparent arson attack on four vehicles belonging to a Jewish ambulance service, Hatzola Northwest, in London.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Responses to the attacks
An additional 264 police officers have been deployed to protect Jewish communities across London, alongside increased armed patrols. Community leaders have called for even tighter security, warning that synagogues and schools may need enhanced protection measures.
Rabbi Levi Shapiro, the founder of the JCC, said:
“The Met has committed 200 officers, which is very generous. And we really appreciate that. But for how long? For a day? For two days? For a week? What’s going to be next week? So it’s not good enough. It’s not good enough.”
Shapiro also responded to the Prime Minister’s comments:
“We appreciate, of course, that he is sympathising and showing his support for the community. But, if he really wants to do something and support the community, then he should deal with the core problem, the root cause of anti-Semitism. And he knows exactly what he needs to do.”
The attack has reignited calls for long-term measures to tackle antisemitism at its root, with leaders urging both government and law enforcement to ensure that community safety remains a priority.
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Headline“PM must tackle root of antisemitism”, says Jewish leader after ambulance arson
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StandfirstRabbi Levi Schapiro speaks to City News on the imortance of tackling antisemitism in the wake of the Golders Green arson attacks
The Prime Minster should do more to tackle antisemitism, according to Jewish community leaders, speaking in the aftermath of the Golders Green arson attack.
Rabbi Levi Shapiro, founder of the Jewish Community Council (JCC), told City News that though the Jewish community appreciates the PM’s support, more needs to be done to tackle the route cause. He said:
“If he really wants to do something and support the community, then he should deal with the core problem.”
Four ambulances belonging to Hatzola were destroyed in a suspected arson attack in Golders Green, prompting a counter-terrorism investigation.
The vehicles were set alight in the early hours of Monday in the north London neighbourhood, which has one of the largest Jewish populations in London.
Police have described the incident as an antisemitic hate crime, though inquiries into a possible terror link are ongoing.
The attack has been widely condemned, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it a “deeply shocking, antisemitic attack” and urging communities to stand together.
The ambulance service, which provides free emergency care to people of all backgrounds, said it would continue operating despite the damage.
A protester shows a banner at Golders Green in London, Monday, March 23, 2026 after an apparent arson attack on four vehicles belonging to a Jewish ambulance service, Hatzola Northwest, in London.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Responses to the attacks
An additional 264 police officers have been deployed to protect Jewish communities across London, alongside increased armed patrols. Community leaders have called for even tighter security, warning that synagogues and schools may need enhanced protection measures.
Rabbi Levi Shapiro, the founder of the JCC, said:
“The Met has committed 200 officers, which is very generous. And we really appreciate that. But for how long? For a day? For two days? For a week? What’s going to be next week? So it’s not good enough. It’s not good enough.”
Shapiro also responded to the Prime Minister’s comments:
“We appreciate, of course, that he is sympathising and showing his support for the community. But, if he really wants to do something and support the community, then he should deal with the core problem, the root cause of anti-Semitism. And he knows exactly what he needs to do.”
The attack has reignited calls for long-term measures to tackle antisemitism at its root, with leaders urging both government and law enforcement to ensure that community safety remains a priority.
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