Synagogues and Jewish community centers around New Jersey have increased security after a shooting at a Synagogue in Pittsburgh left 11 people dead.

But the leaders of these New Jersey Jewish centers say that security has always been a top priority and that some safeguards were already in place.

Members of the Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County must scan a membership card prior to entering. The center also has posts installed outside to prevent vehicles from crashing in.

CEO Dorothy Rubinstein tells News 12 New Jersey that the center has also participated in active shooter drills.

“We did one actually two months ago, with the help of the Middlesex County prosecutor and Homeland Security,” she says.

The Temple B’nai Shalom in East Brunswick has security guards on site for regular worshiping services – something that Rabbi Eric Eisenkramer says he wishes wasn’t necessary.

“I wish people could go in all houses of worship – in Jewish houses and churches and synagogues and just pray in peace. But we need this, so we are taking all the measures we can to protect our congregation,” he says.

New Jersey has more than 500,000 Jewish residents – the second highest percentage of any state.