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.

Tomer Peretz, one of the display creators, told KTLA he saw the destruction first-hand. 

“On October 7th, I was in Israel,” said Peretz. “I was volunteering to pick up dead bodies from the massacre for the entire week and when I got back to LA, the only thing I could create about was with other people who experienced a very similar experience as me.”

A candle-lighting ceremony held at 8:29 p.m. coincided with the exact moment Hamas launched its first rockets into the Jewish State.

Members of the Los Angeles Jewish community also commemorated the occasion in conjunction with their Israeli counterparts abroad. 

At the same time, Israeli-Americans and Jews alike came together outside on Pico Boulevard in a display of optimism and solidarity. 

“What brings me here is there is still over 100 hostages that were stolen and kidnapped from Israel into Gaza on October 7, and that’s what I’m here for, trying to help get back these hostages,” said attendee Tuvia Kramer.

There will be several other commemoration ceremonies on Monday at synagogues and cultural institutions to mark the anniversary of October 7.

A four-vehicle crash left a motorcyclist dead on Saturday evening in Gardena, according to police.

The Gardena Police Department said officers responded to the crash at the intersection of Western Avenue and 139th Street at 6:09 p.m.

Four damaged vehicles were in the intersection, including a bus, and paramedics pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene. 

Investigators determined the motorcyclist was driving southbound on Western Avenue when they collided with the rear bumper of a bus and consequently crashed into another vehicle.

The Hawthorne Police Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating this fatal crash. 

Police said the drivers’ names are still under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the traffic collision is encouraged to call Hawthorne Police Department Officer Nambo or Gardena Police Department Investigator Zamudio.

KTLA 5 meteorologist Henry DiCarlo was the provider of a fun-filled day of competition on Saturday at his 6th annual Putts for Mutts Golf Tournament in Yorba Linda on Friday.

This year’s edition of the tournament featured several challenges, including hole-in-one, longest drive and closest-to-the-pin competitions that participants were able to choose from.

Putts for Mutts Golf Tournament benefits Tails That Teach, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching kindness and empathy to children through education that was founded by Henry’s wife, Lisa Wiehebrink.

Tails That Teach also provides resources to animal shelters to help them care for animals in need and promote responsible pet ownership.

“This tournament raises funds for an important cause not only in Southern California, but across the country,” DiCarlo said. “This event is great because we see the results from it…we have great support and it really goes back into the community.”

That community aspect is second-to-none at the Putts for Mutts events, according to DiCarlo, who praised attendees for coming together not only to raise money, but to connect and share their passion for supporting such a meaningful cause.

“I’ve been coming back every year because of the cause and to support my friend Henry,” said Jim Doyle, an attendee of all six tournaments. “It’s really rewarding to know that we are making a difference; plus, it’s a lot of fun, and I get to meet other people who are here to support the same mission.”

It wasn’t just tournament veterans that enjoyed themselves, either.

“I play golf quite a bit, but this tournament stands out,” said first-time participant Caden Ellis. “The atmosphere is great, and the challenges make it a lot more exciting.”

Saturday’s festivities concluded with a dinner and auction that offered prizes such as suite tickets to a Lakers game, a beach house vacation and a getaway to Palm Springs. The day’s top golfers were also honored at the dinner.

To donate and learn more about Tails That Teach, contact info@tailsthatteach.org.

In case you missed out on Saturday’s animal welfare fundraiser event hosted by Henry, you’re in luck, as another KTLA meteorologist, Kacey Montoya, is holding a fundraiser to support her foundation, Fix’N Fidos, on Sunday at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point.

More information on Kacey’s fundraiser can be found here.