🔗 Share this article

As Michel Illouz carefully navigated through the masses beneath the tall evergreens and palm trees at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a urban center located approximately 20 kilometers north of Tel Aviv, he expressed gratitude to numerous participants as possible.

Previously he offered an invitation to the local community to stand with his relatives in mourning his twenty-six-year-old son, Guy, whose remains had been brought back from Gaza on Monday.

Overwhelming Response

Countless individuals heeded the call. They filled the roads, processed behind the coffin transport carrying his remains, and converged on the burial site in such significant numbers that the original plan to hold the service indoors had to be canceled.

Rather, the event was organized outdoors, accompanied by the sound of birdsong.

Important Moment

This marked the opening memorial service since the final 20 living hostages were released from Gaza, accompanied by seven bodies. Another 21 of the dead prisoners continue to be lost, but at the very minimum this loved ones now had a particular spot to express sorrow and commemorate their son, according to friends.

Tragic Story

Guy Illouz, a performer and audio engineer, had been struck from behind at the Nova music festival during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Before the tragedy unfolded, he had called his father from a concealed location to express his love; to say goodbye. He was taken hostage, and based on those imprisoned alongside him, he eventually succumbed from his trauma due to lack of treatment.

Loved One's Insight

A trusted companion of the Illouz household, Michelle, aged 50, commented that it had been crucial to them that the public gathered today. The Illouz household, including Guy's female relatives and male sibling, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the extended period of bereavement, after discovering of his passing in December of the prior year. But now that Guy was ultimately back with them, they required "caring community again."

"My spirit is uplifted that you attended," said Michel. "Your presence is deeply appreciated."

Father's Tribute

He turned to his son. "Beloved Guy," he uttered, using a term of endearment, "it's difficult for me to imagine the days ahead without you. They grabbed you from me – they ended your life – they captured my essence and took my sense of self and murdered my soul and heart."

"I've been left hollow since that pointless violence by those evil terrorists when they seized you and told you to turn around, and then just discharged two gratuitous rounds into your back."

Final Goodbye

"Thus I stood this morning, driving to Abu Kabir forensic institute to verify your remains and bid farewell. They removed the white sheet, and the initial sight I observed was that familiar expression, that positive outlook, that peaceful presence and grace that so defined you."

"I reached out, tried to sense your aroma, caressed every bone in your body. I looked at you, I was in private with you, and yes, I felt with total assurance that it was you. Yes, I know, Guy-shuk, that you've rejoined our family. You've come back to your family's embrace, to all your companions, and to the millions of citizens whose feelings your story touched."

Family Strength

During the early part of the memorial, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on supporting his junior family members. He gently touched the locks of his female children, supported his male child, showed affection and composed himself for them. But then his voice broke.

Cherished Memories

"I will yearn for so much journeying together through this nation, sensing your presence, enjoying your artistic creations, resting on elevated terrain and igniting the flame 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 heat it once more. Mix the beverage with circular motions' – and then your grin while enjoying the drink and your delight in every single drop."

"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I kept my promise. I observed you, absorbed your presence one last time, and yes, I planted a kiss on the brow. I was could perceive your beauty even in the state in which you were repatriated."

Closing Statement

"My Guy-shuk, I love you so much, I cherish you. I will yearn for you every second and brief period of my existence. Find peace, my dear child, rest after a travel of two years through unfamiliar realms to us. I hold you dear, my dear Guy, my cherished eldest child."