Hundreds of people gathered in Los Angeles on Sunday for the first memorial commemorating the lives lost in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
One year ago, Hamas infiltrated Southern Israel, killed 1,400 people, took over 100 hostages, and ultimately ignited the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
On Sunday night in Los Angeles, the Museum of Tolerance lit candles to represent the people killed that day and the hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza.
KTLA’s Rachel Menitoff visited different sites and memorials around the city to speak with those in attendance.
At the Simon Wiesenthal Center, people of all religions and backgrounds gathered for a night of remembrance, reflection, and reconciliation.
“Our main focus tonight is really to celebrate the strength of our community, to celebrate that no matter what is thrown towards us we will persevere,” said Jim Burke, the CEO of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
Artistry was displayed throughout the museum, telling the story of what happened one year ago through the eyes of survivors and first responders.