Government steps in with replacement ambulances after Hatzola arson attack
Four loaned vehicles arrive as synagogue reopens with limited damage and leaders praise rapid emergency response
Four Government-loaned ambulances have arrived in Golders Green to replace Jewish community ambulances that were destroyed in an arson attack.
The London Ambulance Service vehicles arrived at around 1.20pm on Tuesday.
They are replacing four Hatzola ambulances set alight in an arson attack in the early hours of Monday.
After they were parked, Hatzola chairman Shloimie Richman read a statement saying Monday was the “darkest day” in the charity’s existence. Meanwhile, the damage to the inside of a synagogue next to where four Jewish community ambulances were set on fire in north London is “surprisingly” limited, its president said.
Damon Hoff, president of Machzike Hadath Synagogue – where the ambulances were parked, praised the quick work of the emergency services.
He told the Press Association: “The only reason the floors didn’t burn down is because they got there so quickly.”
Mr Hoff said that some of the stain glass windows might need replacing.
He told PA: “Surprisingly, the internal damage is very limited.
“There’s substantial damage from the fire on the external, there’s substantial damage on the ceiling, there will be more basement damage.”
Mr Hoff said the synagogue was open on Tuesday, adding: “We prayed this morning.”
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