Security ramped up at synagogues, temples

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Monday is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, and security has been ramped up at temples and synagogues across the New York area.

Extra police officers will be standing guard as the heightened tensions throughout the mideast add an extra layer of urgency to security precautions.

Anger over an anti-Islamic film has sparked violent protests throughout the Muslim world, and harsh threats between Israel and Iran over Iran's nuclear program also increase the potential for an attack on Jewish temples in the city.

There's been a visible police presence outside houses of worship even before the Jewish new year celebrations began Sunday night.

They will continue through Rosh Hashanah into next week, when the high holy day of Yom Kippur is observed.

Similar precautions are being taken by police throughout the Tri-State area.

"We're also working with the local, state and federal authorities, including the terrorist task force and Homeland Security on a daily basis to evaluate threats to the community," Nassau County police commissioner Thomas Dale said.

Public schools are closed Monday and Tuesday to celebrate the new year. The holiday commemorates the creation of the world, which this year reached the age of 5,773, according to the Jewish calendar.

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