A pro-Iranian group has made shocking claims about its motivations for targeting four ambulances in an anti-semitic attack in north London, revealing that the assault was premeditated and professionally coordinated. The group, calling itself the 'Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand', issued a detailed statement shortly after the incident, indicating advanced preparation and a clear ideological agenda.
Dual Motivations Behind the Attack
The group cited two primary reasons for the ambulance torching in Golders Green. First, they pointed to a visit by former Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to a nearby synagogue in June 2024, during the Gaza war. According to their statement, Sunak used this visit to express solidarity with the Jewish community and affirm Britain's unwavering support for Israel, which the group condemned.
Second, the group claimed the synagogue had the "deepest connection" to Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaCohen Kook, who served as the first Chief Rabbi of Israel and was a key figure in Religious Zionism. They alleged this historical bond, dating back over a century, makes the synagogue a main bastion of support for Israel in Britain today.
Prepared Statement and International Links
The statement was released in three languages—English, Hebrew, and Arabic—shortly after the attack, suggesting it was crafted in advance. Intelligence monitoring service SITE confirmed the group's involvement and noted that the same movement has claimed responsibility for similar blazes in Belgium, Greece, and the Netherlands, highlighting a pattern of international activity.
Much of the material in the statement appears to have been lifted from the synagogue's website, though the website itself does not mention 'Religious Zionism'. Rabbi Kook, who died in 1935, served as chief rabbi for Ashkenazi Jews in British-mandated Palestine, long before Israel's establishment, adding a historical layer to the group's justification.
Police Response and Community Impact
Counter terrorism police are actively hunting for three men involved in the attack, with forensic officers remaining on the scene in Golders Green. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing for the Met, emphasized that such incidents have a "huge impact on Jewish communities" and detailed that Iranian-backed plots disrupted in the UK since October 2024 have included assassination, kidnap, and espionage attempts.
To enhance security, measures such as drones, live facial recognition technology, and increased police presence have been implemented. Taylor reassured the public, stating, "We completely understand the concerns within Jewish communities and the fear that this creates, and we are absolutely determined to bring those individuals to justice."
Political and Security Concerns
Lord Beamish, a member of the Intelligence and Security Committee, warned of a pattern where Iran targets anti-government dissidents and the Jewish community "through proxies". He stressed the importance of community unity in response to such threats, noting that these attacks aim to sow division and fear.
The attack has sparked widespread anger and upset, with the Chief Rabbi expressing condemnation of the anti-semitic targeting. As investigations continue, authorities are working to prevent further incidents and address the broader security challenges posed by such extremist groups.
