Hatzola Herts to open new headquarters

Hatzola, the Jewish-run volunteer emergency ambulance service, is to open a new headquarters in Borehamwood after purchasing a former Hertsmere Borough Council property, providing the charity with its first permanent operational base.

The building at 39 Theobald Street, previously used as a hostel, had been vacant for some time before being sold to the charity following the completion of the sale.

Hatzola Herts operates a 24-hour volunteer ambulance service across Hertsmere and surrounding areas. Its responders, including volunteer doctors, paramedics and first responders, provide emergency medical assistance free of charge to anyone who needs it, regardless of faith or background, helping to relieve pressure on NHS services.

The new headquarters will strengthen the charity’s emergency response operations and support its future growth.

The move comes after four Hatzola ambulances at the Golders Green base were destroyed in an antisemitic arson attack in March. Following the attack, the government announced funding for replacement ambulances through the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant to help restore the charity’s frontline fleet.

Councillor Jeremy Newmark, leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “This is a huge win for local people and our community. It delivers my commitment to bring a long-vacant building back into use and support an organisation that provides an important emergency service to establish a permanent base in Borehamwood.

“We are delighted to have worked with Hatzola Herts to enable this next chapter and look forward to seeing the organisation continue to save lives and provide emergency medical support.”

Hatzola Herts forms part of the wider Hatzola network, which provides emergency medical response services across North London and beyond.