Synagogue members have threatened to boycott an event featuring disgraced fashion designer John Galliano.

He is due to speak on a panel at the session hosted by three central London synagogues later this month.

The event is the first in the Connect series, an educational partnership between the Central, Western Marble Arch and New West End synagogues, sponsored by the Chief Rabbinate.

Galliano was sacked by fashion house Christian Dior four years ago following an antisemitic rant. His appearance at the May 28 event is seen as a step towards rehabilitation with the Jewish community.

The panel will also feature designer Ronit Zilkha and is due to cover topics on religion and fashion.

But Jacob and Deborah Lyons, Western Marble Arch synagogue members, have set up a petition against Galliano's appearance.

Mr Lyons said: "They should retract the invitation. It is nothing more than a publicity stunt on his part.

"The industry has many notable Jews. Why has he been chosen over and above so many with unblemished records?

"This is really about two things - good business sense on Galliano's part and naivety on the synagogue's part.

"Why of all the charity workers, fashion industry leaders and others inside and outside the community, have we chosen to give John Galliano the stage?"

Michael Ezra, also a member of the shul, said he was "disappointed".

Mr Ezra said: "They advertised the event providing no background of who he was or what he had done. This is someone who once said 'I love Hitler'. I just don't think it is right we give him a platform to speak."

But the chazan of the synagogue and one of the organisers behind the event, Steven Leas, has defended the decision to host Galliano.

Mr Leas said: "I think it is always good to talk and it gives people an opportunity to get to grips with antisemitism and fashion.

"He was not chosen randomly. Having him speak gives people a chance to challenge him and themselves. I think if the people objecting to it were more open-minded they might surprise themselves."

Galliano has worked for two years with Central Synagogue rabbi Barry Marcus, who educated him about the Holocaust. Rabbi Marcus - who received an MBE earlier this year for his work in Holocaust education - said last month: "As a human being, as a Jew, as a rabbi, as a humanist, I'm almost duty-bound to open the door to somebody who wants to make amends."

JC reporter Sandy Rashty will compere the event.