New Jersey has seen an increased level of police presence at several synagogues in the state as a response to the rapidly intensifying war between Israel and Hamas.

Monday marked the third day of turmoil as more than 1,000 people have been killed on both sides of the fighting.

New reports indicate the death toll of American citizens in Israel has risen to at least nine. The death toll is only expected to rise.

Israeli officials say the Hamas terror attack by land, sea and air Saturday came without any warning. Many New Jerseyans are concerned about the conflict and what it could mean for friends and family overseas.

Sen. Cory Booker and his staff were in Israel during the initial attacks on Saturday. They arrived for several planned meetings and site visits.

Booker explained his experience in a video on his social media.

"I joined others in the bomb shelter or the stairwells of the hotel," he said.

Booker was scheduled to speak at Tuesday’s N7 summit in Tel Aviv. He has since left the country.

A gathering was also Monday with the Palestinian American Community Center at Gould Park in Paterson. The event was held to provide a platform for the community to discuss the Israel-Hamas war.