Brooklyn residents gathered Friday to mark the 20th anniversary of the deadly race riots in Crown Heights. NY1’s Grace Rauh filed the following report.

Carmel Cato's son, Gavin, would have been 27-years-old now. His life was cut short by a car accident on the night of August 19, 1991.

It's a collision that lives on in the memories of many New Yorkers. The young boy's death sparked the infamous Crown Heights riots.

“It's just like yesterday to me,” said Cato.

The 20th anniversary of Gavin's passing is a sorrowful day for another family, as well.

Yankel Rosenbaum, a 29-year-old Jewish scholar, was killed that same night when an angry mob took to the streets after the accident. He was stabbed and later died.

“None of the basic riot policing measures were put in place. Crowds weren't contained, crowds weren't dispersed and crowds weren't arrested,” said Norman Rosenbaum, brother of Yankel.

The riots lasted for days and pitted blacks against Jews, but this ugly chapter in the city's history also led to an unlikely friendship.

Over the past several years, a close bond has been forged. On Friday, Gavin's father and Yankel's brother met at a Brooklyn deli to mark the tragic anniversary.

“We want people to see the faces of the riots and what went on to be the Cato family and the Rosenbaum family,” said Rosenbaum.

The location of the meeting has some significance, as well. It's the same place Carmel Cato and Norman Rosenbaum met for the first time when they came together on the 10th anniversary of the riots.

Carmel Cato still lives in Brooklyn but not in Crown Heights, and Norman Rosenbaum flew in from Australia for the anniversary. His brother Yankel had been visiting New York when he was killed.

Still, both men feel a deep connection with the neighborhood.

“We have come a long way, and there is still a lot more to go,” said Cato.

The friendship between these families may still help to heal old wounds.