A religious group is calling on the community to take a stand against an “aggressive” neo-Nazi rally that will be held in Golders Green.

Barnet Multi Faith Forum is angry about plans by far-right groups including the New Dawn Party, to hold a demonstration against “Jewish privilege” on Saturday, July 4 – the Sabbath.

The Metropolitan Police says it has no legal power to prevent the ‘static’ protest.

A counter-demonstration has also been planned by the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism UK.

Esmond Rosen, chairman of the Barnet Multi-Faith Forum, said: “The forum is appalled by this planned act of provocation on the Jewish Sabbath.

“It is good that Jewish people are heartened by the united response from the people of Barnet to oppose this threat.”

The protest has been compared to the Battle of Cable Street, which took place during a march by members of the British Union of Fascists through the East End on Sunday, October 4, 1936.

The forum is calling on people to work together to ensure “these people of hate” do not disturb the harmony of the borough.

The group said: “This aggressive act is designed only to raise fears and tension in the local community.

“Fortunately the actions of such dreadful groups are counterproductive.”

The rally has been linked to an anti-Semitic demonstration in Stamford Hill last month, which the Jewish security firm the Community Security Trust says was attended by 20 to 30 ageing neo-Nazis, who were “drowned out" by anti-fascists.

So far, nearly 10,000 people of all faiths have signed a petition calling on Home Secretary Theresa May to intervene and ban the gathering.

Conservative MP for Finchley and Golders Green, Mike Freer, is in talks with the Home Office about ways to tackle the group.

Golders Green Councillor Dean Cohen, who is Jewish, said: “Barnet is known for its different ethnic groups. It is known that Barnet is a very cohesive borough with a range of different religions.

“Anti-Semitism and racism have no place in this society and borough and it is shocking and deplorable that such a rally is even being contemplated.

“The council is working closely with the police to ensure that if it does proceed, residents and those close to that location are protected, and to ensure that nobody is impacted on anyone during that process.

“I’d also like to commend the Shomrim and the CST for all their hard work.”

In a statement posted on Twitter, the New Dawn Party said they oppose the fact that the Jewish people “are allowed” to have their own police force, which they claim is funded by the police.

The party's statement added: “If we include the JCST (sic), then the Jews actually have two policing bodies. We already have an officially government regulated police force for everybody. This is London, not Tel-Aviv.”

This is incorrect – the Shomrim and the CST are funded and trained by private bodies and members of the Jewish community, though they have received government grants.

A spokesman for the CST said: “Should this neo-Nazi demonstration occur, then CST will urge our community to stand firm and not be cowed or intimidated.

“Neo-Nazism is reviled by all other sections of society. If they come to Golders Green, then it will be an opportunity for Jews and non-Jews alike to stress their united values and their utter rejection of racism and anti-Semitism.”