A MAN from Golders Green has launched a petition calling on the Government to provide armed security for synagogues and Jewish institutions.

Launched on Monday (December 7) by Moses Hoffman, more than 5,000 people have already signed it – including 1,034 people in the Finchley and Golders Green constituency, and 925 in Hendon.

A total of 257 people have signed it in Hertsmere, while 44 people have in Chipping Barnet.

The petition states: “European governments are providing armed security for synagogues and Jewish institutions following numerous fatal terror attacks.

“This is because where there is a serious risk of fatalities, the only feasible solution is to provide armed security for Jewish public places. The UK must do the same.”

Discussing the petition, Mr Hoffman praised the work of the Community Security Trust (CST), police and other Jewish organisations in combating anti-Semitism in the last few years.

He said: “The UK Government must also be commended for its zero-tolerance stance against antisemitism particularly in light of its funding of security for many Jewish institutions.

“However despite all this, our synagogues and schools do not have the adequate security to protect against a fatal attack. Anti-Semitism is evolving from verbal or physical attacks to fatal terror attacks, as witnessed in France, Belgium, Denmark the USA and other locations.”

Mr Hoffman said most of these countries have responded in the “only feasible way” – armed security.

He added: “After all, the threat is terrorism, which involves knives guns and the will to kill one’s self for the sake of hatred. How can a policeman or guard without a gun or even a knife protect hundreds of school children or others from such a threat?

“Therefore the only solution to this threat, clearly is armed security. The threat in the UK is the same as in the rest of Europe, so the response must be the same. We shouldn't wait for something serious to happen before deciding to change to armed security.”

The petition, which can be seen here, will run until June next year.

If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.