Beverly Hills police are increasing patrols around synagogues on Rosh Hashanah

The Beverly Hills Police Department is joining other police departments across the Southland to increase security at synagogues and houses of worship for the holiday of Rosh Hashanah.

The Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Wednesday.

While planning for increased security measures was already well underway, the urgency became even more pressing on Tuesday when Iran launched rocket attacks against Israel in apparent retaliation for Israeli attacks on the Iran-based Hezbollah. The attacks dramatically increased tensions in the Middle East and fears of a regional war.

The BHPD said in a statement it is “closely monitoring world events and, as a precautionary measure, has increased patrols and worked with private security forces to ensure the continued safety of our community around synagogues and houses of worship during Rosh Hashanah and High Holy Days.”

The Los Angeles Police Department also said it will maintain a strategic presence in critical locations throughout the region.

Department leaders said they conducted planning and meetings internally and with other law enforcement partners to provide additional security around the holiday gathering.