CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE SECURITY HEIGHTENED AT ISRAEL FESTIVAL SUNDAY.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

ENCINO - With added security measures in place, including bomb-sniffing dogs and undercover police, tens of thousands celebrated Israel's 55th Independence Day on Sunday in the San Fernando Valley.

No specific threats had prompted the beefed-up security, nor were any incidents of violence reported at the festival in Woodley Park, said Adee Glazer-Drory, spokeswoman for the Israel Festival Committee.

``We pumped up security because of what's going on in the nation and abroad, including terrorism and the war - so people will feel more comfortable,'' she said.

An additional 30 Los Angeles Police Department officers - for a total of 100 - monitored the event this year, in addition to about 100 private security guards. The presence of bomb dogs and undercover officers was new, organizers said.

The heavier police presence did not appear to detract from the event, billed as one of the Southland's largest Israel Independence Day observances.

``With what all the world is going though right now, it's nice to see a good crowd here, where we can see friends,'' said Agoura Hills resident Tal Shmargal, who staked out a shady part of the park and stretched out with his family. ``Most of us are from Israel originally, and this is our way to show support for Israel.''

Just like last year, festivalgoers were required to pass through metal detectors at entrances, and checkpoints were set up in parking lots, organizers said.

Israeli flags of all sizes flapped freely throughout the park, where the scent of spicy schwarma and falafels and the sounds of seductive Middle Eastern and klezmer music oozed from every corner.

Visitors joined circle dances, lured by music performed on three stages throughout the park. Foods were shared, and hundreds of booths featured information on everything from handmade jewelry to ceramics to service on good, old-fashioned matchmaking.

Begun 16 years ago, the annual Israel Independence Day Festival typically draws 40,000 visitors, who converge in the Valley to celebrate with food, music and dancing.

This year, operators said as many as 60,000 visitors turned up.

California Gov. Gray Davis was among them. Speaking briefly, he voiced relief that authorities had arrested a suspect who may have been responsible for a recent spate of fires at houses of worship in Encino.

Police are holding Farsid Tehrani, an Iranian Jew who lives in Encino, in connection with the spree, which included targets of all faiths.

``When someone attacks one synagogue, they attack all synagogues,'' Davis said. ``California stands for diversity, tolerance and the state of Israel.''

Some visitors attributed this year's increased turnout as a show of solidarity with Israel, where violence with Palestinians has been rising for the past 22 months.

``One day, I hope all this security you see here will be gone, and they spend the money on more activities for children,'' said 30-year-old Oren Madar of North Hollywood. ``Why does it have to be this way?''

``It's the same in Israel,'' said 17-year-old Orli Shmargal. ``When you go to malls, you go through security and have your bags checked. But I feel at peace here. I feel a part of Israel here, and it's good.''

CAPTION(S):

4 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Several thousand people gather for the Israel Independence Day Festival in Woodley Park in Encino on Sunday.

(2 -- color) Some children enjoy a ride on a roller coaster, while others are a bit more unsure.

(3 -- 4) Above, Mauricio Rami Eretz, left, dances a traditional Jewish dance with friends. At left, security was tight at the festival, including a metal detector and a bag search.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer