Barnet Council has unanimously agreed to confer the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Barnet upon five organisations: Hatzola Northwest, Hatzola Edgware, Hatzola HBS, the Community Security Trust (CST), and Shomrim North West London. This honour formally records the high esteem in which they are held by the Council and the community and recognising the invaluable contribution they make to the life of the borough.
Hatzola was commended for its 24-hour volunteer emergency medical response service. Following an attack on their ambulances in March 2026, Hatzola volunteers demonstrated resilience by continuing this vital work
. Councillor Dean Cohen MBE highlighted this, stating, when their own ambulances were the target of a despicable arsenal attack in Golders Green, they did not stop. They kept responding.
Shomrim North West London was recognised for its community safety patrols and response to emergencies, including antisemitic incidents. Volunteers were praised for their bravery during a terrorist attack on Golders Green Road on April 30, 2026. Councillor Dean Cohen MBE stated, Shomrim volunteers were among the first on the scene. They ran towards the danger so that others did not have to face it.
The Community Security Trust (CST) was acknowledged as a leading expert on antisemitism, providing security advice and equipment to Jewish schools, organisations, synagogues and community buildings across the UK.
Their research regularly informs public policy and helps to safeguard wider British society.
The council also noted that CST administers the Home Office's protective security grant that contributes towards security at Jewish communal locations.
Councillor Barry Rawlings stated, We simply could not have responded to these challenges we currently face without these two remarkable security organisations.
Councillor Dean Cohen MBE added, By conferring the freedom of the borough, we show our gratitude and support for all the work they do and will continue to do.
This decision was made during a council meeting, details of which can be found in the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet.
