When Michel Illouz carefully navigated through the masses beneath the Mediterranean pines and palm trees at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a city located 13 miles north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to countless visitors as he could.
Earlier he provided an open call to the Israeli public to accompany his loved ones in honoring the memory of his twenty-six-year-old son, Guy, whose physical form had been returned from Gaza on Monday.
Overwhelming Response
Thousands responded the call. They filled the roads, processed behind the coffin transport carrying his body, and arrived at the memorial grounds in such substantial amounts that the primary scheme to conduct the memorial indoors had to be canceled.
Rather, the gathering was conducted in the open air, set to the sound of avian melodies.
Important Moment
This marked the initial burial ceremony since the remaining two dozen captives were released from Gaza, together with several deceased individuals. A further more than twenty of the dead prisoners are still unaccounted for, but at least this loved ones now had a designated location to express sorrow and commemorate their son, per friends.
Heartbreaking Narrative
Guy Illouz, a artist and recording specialist, had been targeted in his posterior at the Nova concert event during the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023. Before the tragedy unfolded, he had called his father from a sheltered spot to tell him he cared; to offer final words. He was seized, and based on those imprisoned alongside him, he eventually succumbed from his trauma due to lack of treatment.
Loved One's Insight
A family friend of the Illouz household, Michelle, aged 50, commented that it had been extremely important to them that individuals came today. The Illouz household, encompassing Guy's siblings and male sibling, had practiced the mourning period, the extended period of bereavement, after discovering of his passing in December of the year before. But now that Guy was at long last back with them, they required "people around them again."
"This brings me comfort that you attended," said Michel. "We don't take it for granted."
Father's Tribute
He spoke to his son. "My dear Guy," he expressed, using a loving expression, "it's difficult for me to conceive the time to come without you. They snatched you from me – they murdered you – they stole my being and robbed my persona and murdered my soul and emotional core."
"I've been left hollow since that meaningless attack by those evil terrorists when they seized you and instructed you to turn around, and then merely shot two needless bullets into your back."
Final Goodbye
"And here I am this morning, driving to Abu Kabir forensic institute to verify your remains and part ways. They removed the white sheet, and the primary view I observed was that characteristic grin, that positive outlook, that serenity and nobility that so exemplified you."
"I made contact, tried to smell you, tenderly touched all areas in your body. I looked at 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 returned to your relatives' care, to all your friends, and to the countless people whose feelings your experience impacted."
Family Strength
During the early part of the ceremony, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on comforting his younger children. He gently touched the locks of his girls, supported his male child, kissed his neck and maintained composure for them. But then his emotions surfaced.
Cherished Memories
"I'll miss so much exploring alongside you through this country, experiencing your company, hearing your music, sitting in the hills and activating the stove to create the drink the way only you mastered – 'Dad, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to simmer it carefully, let the lather develop, then heat it once more. Agitate the liquid with spinning actions' – and then your expression while enjoying the drink and your pleasure in every individual sip."
"Earlier than my exit Abu Kabir today, I honored my word. I observed you, breathed you in one last time, and yes, I planted a kiss on the brow. I was could perceive your handsomeness even in the state in which you came back."
Ultimate Expression
"My dear son, I love you so much, I cherish you. I will yearn for you every second and tiny segment of my life. Find peace, my dear child, relax after a journey of two years through unexplored dimensions to us. I love you, my Guy-shuk, my cherished eldest child."
