Jewish refugees who sought safety in England during the Holocaust are calling on the government to help Syrians in a similar position.

Members of Alyth Synagogue, in Temple Fortune, travelled to Parliament to meet Finchley MP Mike Freer yesterday.

The majority of the group, who are in their 90s, came to England as toddlers before the start of the Second World War – a move which ultimately may have saved their lives.

The war in Syria has meant many have been forced to flee their homes and settle elsewhere.

Under Prime Minister David Cameron’s scheme, 200 Syrians have been able to move to the UK – but there are still 320,000 without a home.

Katherine Hallgarten, a member of the synagogue, said: “Britain was a place of safety for me and my family. It not only gave us refuge – it gave us a chance to grow and contribute. I am calling on the government to offer to same opportunities to refugees today.”

They were joined by members of campaign Citizen UK and Refugee Action.

Rabbi Mark Goldsmith, the leader of Alyth Synagogue, is asking Prime Minister David Cameron to recreate the spirit of resettlement that allowed his members to flee to safety.

He said: “In the 1930s we were a resettlement centre for Jewish refugees. Today we still run drop-in sessions for recent refugees. We urge Mr Cameron to show courage and act now to help the neediest refugees.”

Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk, the leader of Finchley Progressive Synagogue, said: “We recognise the tremendous amount of aid that the government has spent and pledged to the people of Syria, but we'd hope more can be done.

“It is important, even essential, that our community, with its history of finding refuge in this country, can act for those who need it now.”