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While Michel Illouz gradually progressed through the throngs beneath the tall evergreens and palm trees at the cemetery in Ra'anana, a city located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to as many attendees as feasible.

He had extended an open call to the Israeli public to join his family in honoring the memory of his 26-year-old son, Guy, whose body had been brought back from Gaza on Monday.

Substantial Gathering

Numerous people answered the invitation. They occupied the avenues, accompanied the funeral vehicle carrying his remains, and gathered at the burial site in such substantial amounts that the original plan to conduct the ceremony indoors had to be canceled.

Rather, the event was organized outdoors, with the background of the chorus of singing birds.

Significant Milestone

This represented the opening memorial service since the final 20 living hostages came back from Gaza, together with seven bodies. A further twenty-one of the dead prisoners are still unaccounted for, but at least this family now had a designated location to mourn and commemorate their son, per friends.

Sorrowful Account

Guy Illouz, a musician and audio engineer, had been targeted in his posterior at the Nova concert event during the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023. Earlier that morning, he had contacted his father from a hiding place to share his affection; to offer final words. He was seized, and according to those imprisoned alongside him, he eventually succumbed from his wounds due to lack of treatment.

Relative's Viewpoint

A family friend of the Illouz relatives, Michelle, in her fifth decade, mentioned that it had been extremely important to them that people attended today. The Illouz family members, comprising Guy's two younger sisters and brother, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the seven-day period of grieving, after learning of his death in December of the year before. But now that Guy was finally back with them, they desired "people around them again."

"My spirit is uplifted that you attended," said Michel. "Your presence is deeply appreciated."

Father's Tribute

He turned to his son. "My Guy-shuk," he uttered, using a loving expression, "it's challenging for me to envision the future without you. They took you from me – they ended your life – they kidnapped me and stole my identity and destroyed my spirit and heart."

"I've been left hollow since that meaningless attack by those evil terrorists when they caught you and commanded you to turn around, and then simply fired two needless bullets into your back."

Ultimate Parting

"And here I am this morning, driving to Abu Kabir identification center to confirm your identity and say goodbye. They unveiled the shroud, and the primary view I observed was that familiar expression, that optimism, that calm demeanor and dignity that so defined you."

"I made contact, tried to smell you, gently felt each part in your body. I observed you, I was alone with you, and yes, I felt with complete conviction that it was you. Yes, I know, Guy-shuk, that you've come back home. You've come back to your relatives' care, to all your friends, and to the millions of citizens whose emotions your experience affected."

Family Strength

During the beginning phase of the service, Illouz had focused entirely on consoling his junior family members. He stroked the hair of his girls, embraced his boy, kissed his neck and composed himself for them. But then his voice broke.

Treasured Recollections

"I will long for so much traveling with you through this land, feeling you, hearing your music, sitting in the hills and igniting the flame to prepare the beverage the way only you understood – 'Papa, do you see the coffee foam? You have to heat it slowly, let the lather develop, then boil it again. Agitate the liquid with circular motions' – and then your expression while sipping the coffee and your pleasure in every particular taste."

"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I fulfilled my commitment. I gazed upon you, absorbed your presence one last time, and yes, I planted a kiss on the brow. I was could perceive your beauty even in the state in which you were repatriated."

Final Words

"My dear son, I care for you deeply, I love you. I will yearn for you every instant and brief period of my life. Rest now, my sweet one, relax after a journey of multiple seasons through unfamiliar realms to us. I love you, my beloved son, my cherished eldest child."