🔗 Share this article

When Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the crowds beneath the Mediterranean pines and palm trees at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a urban center located 13 miles north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to as many attendees as possible.

He had extended an welcoming message to the Israeli public to accompany his loved ones in honoring the memory of his twenty-six-year-old son, Guy, whose remains had been brought back from Gaza on Monday.

Overwhelming Response

Numerous people answered the request. They lined the streets, processed behind the coffin transport carrying his body, and arrived at the memorial grounds in such large quantities that the primary scheme to hold the service indoors had to be canceled.

As an alternative, the event was organized in the open air, set to the melody of birdsong.

Significant Milestone

This signified the opening memorial service since the final 20 living hostages were released from Gaza, along with several deceased individuals. Another 21 of the dead prisoners continue to be lost, but at least this loved ones now had a designated location to grieve and honor their son, as stated by friends.

Sorrowful Account

Guy Illouz, a performer and recording specialist, had been targeted in his posterior at the Nova concert event during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Prior to the incident, he had reached out to his father from a hiding place to share his affection; to bid farewell. He was seized, and according to those imprisoned alongside him, he subsequently passed away from his trauma due to medical neglect.

Relative's Viewpoint

A close acquaintance of the Illouz relatives, Michelle, aged 50, mentioned that it had been crucial to them that the public gathered today. The Illouz household, encompassing Guy's female relatives and brother, had observed shiva, the seven-day period of grieving, after learning of his passing in December of the prior year. But now that Guy was ultimately back with them, they needed "supportive individuals again."

"It warms my heart that you attended," stated Michel. "This means everything to us."

Parent's Homage

He turned to his son. "Beloved Guy," he said, using a term of endearment, "it's hard for me to envision the future without you. They grabbed you from me – they killed you – they captured my essence and robbed my persona and murdered my soul and heart."

"There's a void within me since that meaningless attack by those evil terrorists when they apprehended you and commanded you to turn around, and then simply fired two gratuitous rounds into your dorsal area."

Ultimate Parting

"Thus I stood this morning, driving to Abu Kabir forensic institute to confirm your identity and bid farewell. They removed the white sheet, and the primary view I observed was that familiar expression, that optimism, that peaceful presence and nobility 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 absolute certainty that it was you. Yes, I know, Guy-shuk, that you've rejoined our family. You've rejoined your loved ones' arms, to all your close associates, and to the numerous individuals whose feelings your story affected."

Familial Courage

Throughout the initial segment of the ceremony, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on comforting his smaller offspring. He stroked the hair of his female children, held his son, showed affection and composed himself for them. But then his feelings emerged.

Precious Moments

"I will long for so much exploring alongside you through this land, feeling you, hearing your music, resting on elevated terrain and activating the stove to make coffee the way only you knew how – 'Father, do you see the coffee foam? You have to heat it slowly, let the foam rise, then boil it again. Mix the beverage with spinning actions' – and then your grin while tasting the beverage and your delight in every single drop."

"Before I left Abu Kabir today, I fulfilled my commitment. I gazed upon you, inhaled your essence one final moment, and yes, I planted a kiss on the forehead. I was managed to observe your handsomeness even in the condition in which you returned to us."

Closing Statement

"My Guy-shuk, I adore you completely, I love you. I will long for you every second and tiny segment of my time. Find peace, my beloved son, repose after a journey of 24 months through unfamiliar realms to us. I care for you, my dear Guy, my cherished eldest child."