Five Jewish volunteer and security groups now hold Barnet's highest honour, marked at Hendon Town Hall on Monday. Why each was chosen, and what they said.
Barnet Council has given its highest honour to five Jewish organisations. They now hold the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Barnet.
The council conferred the honour at an extraordinary meeting on 7 July. It was marked at Hendon Town Hall on Monday evening, 2 November, with almost 100 people attending from across London and Barnet’s Jewish and local communities.
The five organisations are:
- Hatzola Northwest
- Hatzola Edgware
- Hatzola HBS
- the Community Security Trust (CST)
- Shomrim NW London
The framed scrolls presented on the night call the Freedom “the most honourable award it is in the Council’s privilege to bestow”. It is made under section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.
In conferring it, the scrolls say, the council is “formally recording the high esteem” in which each group is held “by the Council and the community”.
Why each was chosen
The council published its reason for each group, and the scrolls pictured here give the fuller wording.
Hatzola
Hatzola was recognised for its “exceptional contribution to the health and wellbeing of the Barnet community, providing a free, rapid-response emergency medical service to all”.
The scrolls for Hatzola Northwest and Hatzola HBS describe “a free, 24-hour volunteer emergency medical response service available to all members of the community”. They say: “For many years, Hatzola volunteers have responded to thousands of medical emergencies, worked alongside statutory emergency services, promoted community health and helped save and enhance countless lives across the borough.”
The honour also recognises volunteers carrying on “following the despicable attack upon Hatzola ambulances” on 23 March.
Community Security Trust
CST was recognised for its “tireless work in safeguarding the Jewish community across the borough”.
Its scroll says: “For decades, CST has worked to ensure that Jewish people can live freely and securely, providing expert leadership in combating antisemitism and delivering security support to Jewish communities, schools, synagogues and organisations across the United Kingdom.”
It adds that the “commitment, courage and public service demonstrated by CST’s volunteers embody the highest ideals of civic duty and represent the very best of Barnet”.
Shomrim NW London
Shomrim NW London was commended for its “dedication and bravery”. The council’s citation refers to its volunteers helping to apprehend a suspect after the stabbings on Golders Green Road on 29 April.
Its scroll calls Shomrim a “volunteer-led community safety organisation” providing “invaluable support to the Jewish community and the wider public”. It says: “Its volunteers have repeatedly shown courage and selfless service in supporting victims, protecting the public and assisting the emergency services, including following the attacks on Golders Green Road on 29th April 2026.”
What was said on the night
The Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Zahra Beg, said: “We’re proud to confer the Honorary Freedom of the Borough on Hatzola, CST and Shomrim NW London in recognition of the extraordinary service they give to our communities every day.
“Our Jewish communities have been the focal point of high-profile antisemitic hate crimes. These five organisations have played a vital role in protecting our communities and this award sends the message that we will stand up to hate and those who seek to divide us.
“Their dedication, professionalism and compassion have made an immeasurable difference to the lives, safety and wellbeing of residents across Barnet.”
Dr Paul Robinson, medical director of Hatzola HBS, said: “Volunteering in the back of an ambulance, on a cold dark evening, with a patient in pain or gasping for air, recognition from others is the last thing on your mind. Helping get this patient to the help that they need is your only focus. However, this award is very much appreciated! It recognises the essential role we play in our diverse community. Hatzola will continue to be there for those in need.”
Mark Gardner, chief executive of CST, said: “It isn’t about CST, Shomrim, Hatzola… It is about being valued, it is about being partnered with, it is about being respected in what is probably the most important borough for British Jews in the entire United Kingdom. This really, really matters to us, and we thank you deeply.”
Gary Ost, chief executive of Shomrim NW London, said: “This recognition belongs to every single Shomrim volunteer. It belongs to the volunteers who give up their own time, often at very short notice, to help others. The volunteers respond to emergencies, support the vulnerable members of our community, assist the police, and quite simply look after their neighbours. They do not do this for their own recognition or reward, but because they believe that helping others is the right thing to do.”
He singled out volunteers’ families. “This award recognises not only our members, but also the families who stand behind them, support them, and encourage them,” he said. “Our volunteers have a saying: we run towards danger when others are running away. That commitment would simply not be possible without the support, understanding and encouragement of the families behind them. This honour belongs to you just as much as it does our volunteers.”
What it means for you
The honour is a formal mark of recognition. The council’s announcement does not mention any money or new powers coming with it.
Hatzola’s service is, in the council’s words, free and open to all. Three of the five honoured groups are Hatzola organisations: Northwest, Edgware and HBS.
The safety of Jewish communities is also on the agenda at City Hall. The Mayor of London and the Met Commissioner face questions at the London Assembly on Thursday 5 November.
Sources
- Barnet Council: Council confers Honorary Freedom of the Borough on Hatzolas, Community Security Trust and Shomrim NW London, 3 November 2026
- Barnet Council news release and ceremony photographs sent to Barnet Live, 3 November 2026
Have your say