London Mayor Sadiq Khan faced intense backlash after his response to a suspected antisemitic arson attack that destroyed four ambulances. Khan described the incident as a "cowardly attack" and pledged that Londoners would not be "cowed by hatred". Critics, including author and journalist Melanie Phillips and Conservative London Assembly Member Neil Garrett, argued that Khan's words were hollow given his previous record of supporting anti-Israel demonstrations in London. Khan also commented on anti-Semitic protests coinciding with the Yom Kippur synagogue attack.