There are stepped up security plans in place for the approaching Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

The town of Hempstead and Long Beach officials are hoping to reassure people by increasing the police presence.

Chumi Diamond, vice president of the Long Beach City Council, says the change will start this weekend.

“In a time when anti-Semitism is on the rise, we need to ensure that those who observe are comfortable and calm and believe and know that the city is taking care of them,” said Diamond.

The additional security will continue from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur outside synagogues.

Rabbi David Warshaw, the executive director at BACH Jewish Center in Long Beach, says an increase in security is important because there are going to be many more people at the synagogues this time of year.

“There are no threats that we're aware of, but it's always good to have the additional safety,” he said.

Rosh Hashanah is this coming Monday and Yom Kippur is on Sept. 19.