🔗 Share this article

When Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the masses beneath the tall evergreens and tropical trees at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a city located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he thanked people to as many attendees as he could.

Previously he offered an welcoming message to the Israeli public to accompany his loved ones in grieving his 26-year-old son, Guy, whose remains had been brought back from Gaza on Monday.

Substantial Gathering

Countless individuals heeded the invitation. They filled the roads, followed the hearse carrying his remains, and arrived at the memorial grounds in such substantial amounts that the primary scheme to hold the service indoors had to be canceled.

As an alternative, the gathering was held outdoors, set to the sound of singing birds.

Significant Milestone

This signified the opening memorial service since the remaining score of prisoners were released from Gaza, accompanied by multiple remains. Additional more than twenty of the dead prisoners remain missing, but at the very minimum this loved ones now had a designated location to mourn and commemorate their son, as stated by companions.

Tragic Story

Guy Illouz, a artist and sound technician, had been shot in the back 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 tell him he cared; to bid farewell. He was captured, and according to those held with him, he subsequently passed away from his trauma due to inadequate care.

Relative's Viewpoint

A close acquaintance of the Illouz household, Michelle, in her fifth decade, stated that it had been crucial to them that individuals came today. The Illouz household, comprising Guy's two younger sisters and brother, had observed shiva, the extended period of grieving, after discovering of his demise in December of the previous year. But now that Guy was ultimately back with them, they desired "supportive individuals again."

"My spirit is uplifted that you joined us," said Michel. "This means everything to us."

Father's Tribute

He turned to his son. "My dear Guy," he uttered, using a loving expression, "it's hard for me to imagine the time to come without you. They snatched you from me – they murdered you – they kidnapped me and robbed my persona and murdered my soul and heart."

"I feel empty inside since that pointless violence by those malicious militants when they apprehended you and commanded you to turn around, and then merely shot two gratuitous rounds into your posterior."

Ultimate Parting

"So I found myself this morning, traveling to Abu Kabir medical examiner's office to verify your remains and say goodbye. They took off the covering, and the initial sight I observed was that familiar expression, that optimism, that peaceful presence and nobility that so exemplified you."

"I touched you, tried to sense your aroma, tenderly touched all areas in your body. I looked at you, I was by myself 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 relatives' care, to all your friends, and to the numerous individuals whose emotions your story impacted."

Familial Courage

During the early part of the service, Illouz had concentrated completely on supporting his smaller offspring. He gently touched the locks of his daughters, embraced his boy, demonstrated love and gathered his emotions for them. But then his emotions surfaced.

Precious Moments

"I'll miss so much exploring alongside you through this land, feeling you, listening to your compositions, resting on elevated terrain and lighting the burner to prepare the beverage the way only you knew how – 'Dad, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to simmer it carefully, let the foam rise, then heat it once more. Mix the beverage 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 fulfilled my commitment. I looked at you, absorbed your presence one final moment, and yes, I kissed you on the front of your head. I was managed to observe your beauty even in the condition in which you returned to us."

Ultimate Expression

"Beloved child, I adore you completely, I cherish you. I will long for you every second and brief period of my existence. Be at ease, my dear child, rest after a passage of multiple seasons through unfamiliar realms to us. I love you, my dear Guy, my treasured initial offspring."