🔗 Share this article

As Michel Illouz carefully navigated through the crowds beneath the Mediterranean pines and tropical trees at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a community located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to as many attendees as feasible.

Previously he offered an welcoming message to the Israeli public to stand with his relatives in honoring the memory of his young adult son, Guy, whose body had been returned from Gaza on Monday.

Substantial Gathering

Countless individuals heeded the invitation. They occupied the avenues, processed behind the coffin transport carrying his body, and gathered at the cemetery in such large quantities that the primary scheme to hold the memorial indoors had to be canceled.

Rather, the ceremony was organized in the open air, with the background of the sound of avian melodies.

Notable Occasion

This signified the initial burial ceremony since the remaining 20 living hostages were released from Gaza, accompanied by multiple remains. Additional twenty-one of the dead prisoners continue to be lost, but at least this loved ones now had a specific place to mourn and remember their son, as stated by friends.

Sorrowful Account

Guy Illouz, a artist and recording specialist, had been shot in the back at the Nova music festival during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Before the tragedy unfolded, he had reached out to his father from a concealed location to express his love; to offer final words. He was taken hostage, and according to those held with him, he later died from his injuries due to inadequate care.

Relative's Viewpoint

A family friend of the Illouz household, Michelle, in her fifth decade, mentioned that it had been extremely important to them that individuals came today. The Illouz household, encompassing Guy's siblings and male sibling, had practiced the mourning period, the seven-day period of bereavement, after learning of his passing in December of the prior year. But now that Guy was finally back with them, they needed "people around them again."

"My spirit is uplifted that you joined us," said Michel. "We don't take it for granted."

Dad's Eulogy

He spoke to his son. "My dear Guy," he said, using a affectionate nickname, "it's challenging for me to imagine the future without you. They snatched you from me – they killed you – they kidnapped me and robbed my persona and destroyed my spirit and emotional core."

"I've been left hollow since that meaningless attack by those malicious militants when they caught you and instructed you to turn around, and then merely shot two needless bullets into your posterior."

Ultimate Parting

"So I found myself this morning, traveling to Abu Kabir forensic institute to verify your remains and bid farewell. They took off the covering, and the initial sight I observed was that smile of yours, that hopeful nature, that peaceful presence and nobility that so characterized you."

"I made contact, tried to sense your aroma, gently felt each part in your body. I observed you, I was by myself with you, and yes, I felt with complete conviction that it was you. Yes, I know, Guy-shuk, that you've returned to us. You've come back to your relatives' care, to all your companions, and to the numerous individuals whose emotions your narrative impacted."

Family Strength

During the early part of the service, Illouz had concentrated completely on consoling his smaller offspring. He stroked the hair of his female children, embraced his boy, kissed his neck and gathered his emotions for them. But then his voice broke.

Precious Moments

"I will yearn for so much exploring alongside you through this nation, experiencing your company, enjoying your artistic creations, sitting in the hills and activating the stove to make coffee the way only you mastered – 'Dad, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to heat it slowly, let the foam rise, then simmer it additionally. Mix the beverage with rotating movements' – and then your expression while enjoying the drink and your delight in every particular taste."

"Before I left Abu Kabir today, I honored my word. I looked at you, absorbed your presence one ultimate occasion, and yes, I planted a kiss on the front of your head. I was managed to observe your beauty even in the situation in which you came back."

Ultimate Expression

"My dear son, I love you so much, I cherish you. I will miss you every moment and minute of my time. Rest now, my beloved son, rest after a travel of multiple seasons through worlds unknown to us. I love you, my dear Guy, my treasured initial offspring."