An online petition calling on Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to put an end to antisemitism on the social networking site has been signed by more than 10,000 people.

The letter from Anna Burg, an art director from Sweden, says: “The number of antisemite (and anti-Zionist) pages are growing by the minute”.

Last week, Facebook refused to delete a page called “Jewish Ritual Murder,” which claims that Jews ritually sacrifice Christian children. A spokesman said that removing the page would “not help to overcome ignorance”.

The petition says: “The pages and photos that are allowed are vile, horrific, hateful and filled with classic antisemitism and Jewish stereotypes.

“By allowing these pages, we believe that Facebook is actively supporting the spread of antisemitism.”

The letter is due to be sent to Mr Zuckerberg on February 28.