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As Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the crowds beneath the tall evergreens and palm trees at the burial ground in Ra'anana, a community located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to numerous participants as feasible.

He had extended an welcoming message to the local community to stand with his relatives in honoring the memory of his young adult son, Guy, whose body had been brought back from Gaza on Monday.

Substantial Gathering

Thousands responded the invitation. They occupied the avenues, accompanied the funeral vehicle carrying his remains, and arrived at the burial site in such substantial amounts that the original plan to conduct the memorial indoors had to be discarded.

Rather, the ceremony was conducted in the open air, set to the sound of avian melodies.

Important Moment

This represented the initial burial ceremony since the remaining 20 living hostages came back from Gaza, together with multiple remains. Additional 21 of the dead prisoners continue to be lost, but at least this family now had a specific place to mourn and commemorate their son, as stated by friends.

Sorrowful Account

Guy Illouz, a performer and sound technician, had been shot in the back at the Nova musical gathering during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Earlier that morning, he had reached out to his father from a concealed location to tell him he cared; to say goodbye. He was captured, and according to those imprisoned alongside him, he subsequently passed away from his injuries due to medical neglect.

Family Perspective

A trusted companion of the Illouz household, Michelle, fifty years old, commented that it had been crucial to them that the public gathered today. The Illouz household, including Guy's two younger sisters and male sibling, had practiced the mourning period, the week-long period of mourning, after being informed of his demise 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 joined us," stated Michel. "We don't take it for granted."

Father's Tribute

He addressed his son. "My dear Guy," he expressed, using a term of endearment, "it's challenging for me to conceive the days ahead without you. They snatched you from me – they killed you – they stole my being and stole my identity and killed my inner being and emotional core."

"I feel empty inside since that meaningless attack by those evil terrorists when they seized you and told you to turn around, and then simply fired two unnecessary shots into your posterior."

Final Goodbye

"And here I am this morning, driving to Abu Kabir medical examiner's office to verify your remains and bid farewell. They removed the white sheet, and the first thing I noticed was that characteristic grin, that hopeful nature, that serenity and grace that so exemplified 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 absolute certainty that it was you. Yes, I know, Guy-shuk, that you've rejoined our family. You've come back to your relatives' care, to all your companions, and to the countless people whose hearts your narrative impacted."

Family Strength

Throughout the early part of the service, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on supporting his junior family members. He stroked the hair of his female children, held his son, demonstrated love and maintained composure for them. But then his voice broke.

Precious Moments

"I will yearn for so much exploring alongside you through this country, feeling you, enjoying your artistic creations, resting on elevated terrain and activating the stove to create the drink the way only you understood – 'Dad, do you see the coffee froth? You have to boil it gently, let the bubbles form, then simmer it additionally. Mix the beverage with circular motions' – and then your expression while enjoying the drink and your enjoyment in every single drop."

"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I honored my word. I looked at you, inhaled your essence one ultimate occasion, and yes, I planted a kiss on the forehead. I was able to see your handsomeness even in the situation in which you returned to us."

Ultimate Expression

"My Guy-shuk, I love you so much, I love you. I will miss you every second and brief period of my life. Find peace, my sweet one, rest after a travel of multiple seasons through unfamiliar realms to us. I care for you, my dear Guy, my treasured initial offspring."