🔗 Share this article

While Michel Illouz carefully navigated through the crowds beneath the tall evergreens and tropical trees at the burial ground in Ra'anana, a urban center located 13 miles north of Tel Aviv, he thanked people to numerous participants as feasible.

Earlier he provided an invitation to the Israeli public to stand with his relatives in honoring the memory of his 26-year-old son, Guy, whose physical form had been brought back from Gaza on Monday.

Massive Turnout

Countless individuals heeded the request. They lined the streets, processed behind the coffin transport carrying his remains, and gathered at the memorial grounds in such significant numbers that the primary scheme to hold the memorial indoors had to be discarded.

Rather, the event was organized outdoors, with the background of the sound of avian melodies.

Notable Occasion

This marked the first funeral since the final two dozen captives were returned from Gaza, accompanied by several deceased individuals. Another more than twenty of the deceased hostages are still unaccounted for, but at minimum this family now had a specific place to express sorrow and commemorate their son, per companions.

Heartbreaking Narrative

Guy Illouz, a musician and recording specialist, had been targeted in his posterior at the Nova musical gathering during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Prior to the incident, he had called his father from a concealed location to share his affection; to bid farewell. He was seized, and according to those captured simultaneously, he eventually succumbed from his wounds due to lack of treatment.

Relative's Viewpoint

A close acquaintance of the Illouz household, Michelle, fifty years old, stated that it had been crucial to them that people attended today. The Illouz relatives, comprising Guy's two younger sisters and brother, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the seven-day period of bereavement, after discovering of his death in December of the year before. But now that Guy was finally back with them, they desired "supportive individuals again."

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

Dad's Eulogy

He spoke to his son. "My Guy-shuk," he said, using a affectionate nickname, "it's hard for me to conceive the future without you. They took you from me – they killed you – they stole my being and took my sense of self and destroyed my spirit and feelings."

"I've been left hollow since that senseless shooting by those malicious militants when they apprehended you and commanded you to turn around, and then simply fired two gratuitous rounds into your back."

Ultimate Parting

"And here I am this morning, heading toward Abu Kabir forensic institute to verify your remains and bid farewell. They removed the white sheet, and the primary view I saw was that smile of yours, that positive outlook, that serenity and nobility that so exemplified you."

"I reached out, tried to sense your aroma, gently felt each part in your body. I saw 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 rejoined your relatives' care, to all your friends, and to the millions of citizens whose emotions your story impacted."

Parental Resilience

Throughout the beginning phase of the memorial, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on supporting his smaller offspring. He tenderly caressed the strands of his girls, held his son, showed affection and maintained composure for them. But then his voice broke.

Cherished Memories

"I'll miss so much traveling with you through this country, experiencing your company, enjoying your artistic creations, sitting in the hills and activating the stove to make coffee the way only you knew how – 'Father, do you see the coffee froth? You have to simmer it carefully, let the bubbles form, then simmer it additionally. Stir the coffee with circular motions' – and then your expression while sipping the coffee and your delight in every single drop."

"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I kept my promise. I gazed upon you, inhaled your essence one ultimate occasion, and yes, I planted a kiss on the front of your head. I was able to see your beauty even in the state in which you returned to us."

Final Words

"My dear son, I care for you deeply, I cherish you. I will yearn for you every moment and minute of my time. Rest now, my sweet one, relax after a journey of 24 months through unfamiliar realms to us. I care for you, my dear Guy, my treasured initial offspring."