🔗 Share this article

While Michel Illouz carefully navigated through the crowds beneath the Mediterranean pines and date palms at the cemetery in Ra'anana, a urban center located approximately 20 kilometers north of Tel Aviv, he thanked people to countless visitors as possible.

Earlier he provided an invitation to the nation's citizens to stand with his relatives in mourning his young adult son, Guy, whose remains had been returned from Gaza on Monday.

Overwhelming Response

Thousands responded the call. They lined the streets, followed the hearse carrying his remains, and converged on the burial site in such significant numbers that the original plan to conduct the ceremony indoors had to be canceled.

Instead, the event was conducted outdoors, accompanied by the melody of birdsong.

Significant Milestone

This represented the initial burial ceremony since the last 20 living hostages were released from Gaza, accompanied by multiple remains. A further twenty-one of the dead prisoners are still unaccounted for, but at least this family now had a particular spot to grieve and remember their son, as stated by companions.

Heartbreaking Narrative

Guy Illouz, a musician and recording specialist, had been struck from behind at the Nova music festival during the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023. Prior to the incident, he had reached out to his father from a sheltered spot to express his love; to offer final words. He was seized, and based on those imprisoned alongside him, he later died from his injuries due to inadequate care.

Family Perspective

A trusted companion of the Illouz household, Michelle, in her fifth decade, stated that it had been extremely important to them that people attended today. The Illouz family members, encompassing Guy's two younger sisters and brother, had observed shiva, the week-long period of bereavement, after learning of his death in December of the prior year. But now that Guy was finally back with them, they desired "caring community again."

"This brings me comfort that you attended," said Michel. "Your presence is deeply appreciated."

Parent's Homage

He turned to his son. "My dear Guy," he said, using a affectionate nickname, "it's hard for me to conceive the time to come without you. They took you from me – they murdered you – they captured my essence and robbed my persona and killed my inner being and feelings."

"I feel empty inside since that meaningless attack by those evil terrorists when they seized you and instructed you to turn around, and then just discharged two needless bullets into your dorsal area."

Final Goodbye

"So I found myself this morning, heading toward Abu Kabir forensic institute to confirm your identity and part ways. They unveiled the shroud, and the initial sight I saw was that smile of yours, that optimism, that serenity and dignity that so characterized you."

"I made contact, tried to detect your scent, gently felt each part in your body. I observed you, I was alone with you, and yes, I felt with total assurance that it was you. Yes, I know, Guy-shuk, that you've returned to us. You've returned to your loved ones' arms, to all your close associates, and to the numerous individuals whose hearts your narrative affected."

Familial Courage

During the beginning phase of the service, Illouz had concentrated completely on supporting his junior family members. He stroked the hair of his girls, embraced his boy, showed affection and gathered his emotions for them. But then his emotions surfaced.

Treasured Recollections

"I'll miss so much journeying together through this country, experiencing your company, listening to your compositions, relaxing in mountainous areas and igniting the flame to prepare the beverage the way only you mastered – 'Father, do you see the coffee froth? You have to heat it slowly, let the lather develop, then simmer it additionally. Agitate the liquid with circular motions' – and then your grin while sipping the coffee and your pleasure in every particular taste."

"Earlier than my exit Abu Kabir today, I kept my promise. I observed you, breathed you in one last time, and yes, I planted a kiss on the forehead. I was managed to observe your beauty even in the state in which you came back."

Closing Statement

"Beloved child, I adore you completely, I treasure you. I will yearn for you every moment and brief period of my time. Rest now, my sweet one, relax after a passage of 24 months through unfamiliar realms to us. I love you, my beloved son, my cherished eldest child."