While Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the crowds beneath the Mediterranean pines and date palms at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a urban center located 13 miles north of Tel Aviv, he thanked people to numerous participants as possible.
Earlier he provided 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 returned from Gaza on Monday.
Overwhelming Response
Thousands responded the call. They occupied the avenues, followed the hearse carrying his mortal coil, and converged on the memorial grounds in such substantial amounts that the primary scheme to hold the ceremony indoors had to be discarded.
Rather, the event was held in the open air, set to the chorus of singing birds.
Significant Milestone
This represented the opening memorial service since the remaining two dozen captives were released from Gaza, along with multiple remains. Another more than twenty of the deceased hostages remain missing, but at minimum this household now had a particular spot to express sorrow and commemorate their son, as stated by friends.
Sorrowful Account
Guy Illouz, a artist and recording specialist, had been shot in the back at the Nova musical gathering during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Earlier that morning, he had called his father from a sheltered spot to share his affection; to say goodbye. He was captured, and per those imprisoned alongside him, he subsequently passed away from his trauma due to lack of treatment.
Loved One's Insight
A trusted companion of the Illouz relatives, Michelle, in her fifth decade, stated that it had been extremely important to them that individuals came today. The Illouz relatives, including Guy's siblings and brother, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the seven-day period of grieving, after being informed of his death in December of the previous year. But now that Guy was ultimately back with them, they required "people around them again."
"It warms my heart that you attended," stated Michel. "We don't take it for granted."
Parent's Homage
He turned to his son. "My dear Guy," he uttered, using a affectionate nickname, "it's hard for me to imagine the future without you. They snatched you from me – they murdered you – they stole my being and stole my identity and destroyed my spirit and emotional core."
"I feel empty inside since that senseless shooting by those evil terrorists when they caught you and told you to turn around, and then just discharged two unnecessary shots into your dorsal area."
Final Goodbye
"And here I am this morning, heading toward Abu Kabir medical examiner's office to confirm your identity and say goodbye. They removed the white sheet, and the first thing I observed was that familiar expression, that hopeful nature, that calm demeanor and grace that so characterized you."
"I reached out, tried to smell you, gently felt each part in your body. I looked at you, I was in private with you, and yes, I felt with complete conviction that it was you. Yes, I know, Guy-shuk, that you've rejoined our family. You've rejoined your relatives' care, to all your companions, and to the millions of citizens whose emotions your narrative affected."
Family Strength
During the early part of the ceremony, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on consoling his junior family members. He tenderly caressed the strands of his daughters, supported his male child, kissed his neck and composed himself for them. But then his voice broke.
Cherished Memories
"I will yearn for so much traveling with you through this country, experiencing your company, hearing your music, resting on elevated terrain and lighting the burner to create the drink the way only you knew how – 'Dad, do you see the coffee froth? You have to simmer it carefully, let the bubbles form, then boil it again. Stir the coffee with circular motions' – and then your expression while sipping the coffee and your pleasure in every particular taste."
"Earlier than my exit Abu Kabir today, I honored my word. I observed you, inhaled your essence one last time, and yes, I planted a kiss on the forehead. I was could perceive 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 long for you every instant and brief period of my existence. Rest now, my dear child, repose after a travel of two years through worlds unknown to us. I care for you, my Guy-shuk, my treasured initial offspring."
