HAHN DISCUSSES SECURITY AS HIGH HOLY DAYS NEAR.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

Mayor James Hahn met with Jewish leaders on Thursday to discuss security during the upcoming High Holy Days.

``While we do not anticipate any incidents during the High Holy Days, nor have there been any specific warnings issued for Los Angeles, we are working to be proactive in our approach,'' Hahn said following the session.

``You can be assured the Los Angeles Police Department will be taking any necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the Los Angeles Jewish community.''

The Jewish new year celebration of Rosh Hashana begins on Sept. 6, with Yom Kippur, the most holy of Jewish holidays, coming on Sept. 15.

There has been heightened security at Jewish centers and religious institutions since last year's Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Hahn's meeting was with leaders of the Anti-Defamation League, the Board of Rabbis of Southern Californian and the Bureau of Jewish Education.

In addition to Hahn and Councilman Jack Weiss, representatives of the LAPD and the FBI were in attendance.

``With the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks approaching and continuing warnings about attacks targeting Jewish institutions, security awareness must be a first priority,'' said Amanda Susskind, ADL regional director.

``While we always encourage security awareness, we must be particularly vigilant now.''

The Jewish community has stepped up its own security procedures since the terrorist attacks and the LAPD and federal authorities also have developed plans to provide increased surveillance during holidays and when warnings have come from the federal government.