As Monday marks the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel, Beverly Hills community leaders and residents paid tribute to the lives lost and those who are still held captive.
The community gathered near the Beverly Gardens Park, where there are flags that represent victims in the 2023 attack.
“There are 1200 flags here representing not only Americans and Israelis but people of all nationalities who were brutally killed on October 7th,” Mayor Lester Friedman told KNX News’ Craig Fiegener. “And it's important to remember that. It's important for the world to remember that a terrorist organization in an unprovoked manner attacked Israel.”
Residents told Fiegener that Monday is a difficult day.
“Well, I think it's a terrible day that the fact that we still have hostages out there,” one woman said. “I mean, a full year away from home under God knows what conditions.”
Councilman John Mirisch said Monday’s remembrance is about honoring the victims and coming together as a community.
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“We're here to gather together mainly for each other and to commemorate the victims and to call for the release of the remaining hostages. But we're also here for each other as a community, which as I mentioned is kind of like an extended family and family is a sacred concept,” he said.
On Monday night, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles will host “L.A. Remembers: October 7th” at the Saban Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event starts at 7:30 p.m.
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