As Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the throngs beneath the cypress trees and palm trees at the cemetery in Ra'anana, a city located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he expressed gratitude to as many attendees as feasible.
Previously he offered an invitation to the nation's citizens to join his family in mourning his twenty-six-year-old son, Guy, whose physical form had been brought back from Gaza on Monday.
Overwhelming Response
Numerous people answered the invitation. They filled the roads, followed the hearse carrying his mortal coil, and gathered at the burial site in such large quantities that the initial arrangement to conduct the ceremony indoors had to be discarded.
As an alternative, the ceremony was organized outside, set to the chorus of birdsong.
Important Moment
This represented the initial burial ceremony since the remaining 20 living hostages were returned from Gaza, together with multiple remains. Additional more than twenty of the fallen captives are still unaccounted for, but at least this family now had a designated location to mourn and honor their son, according to close acquaintances.
Heartbreaking Narrative
Guy Illouz, a musician and recording specialist, had been shot in the back at the Nova music festival during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Prior to the incident, he had reached out to his father from a concealed location to tell him he cared; to bid farewell. He was captured, and per those captured simultaneously, he eventually succumbed from his wounds due to medical neglect.
Relative's Viewpoint
A close acquaintance of the Illouz relatives, Michelle, aged 50, mentioned that it had been crucial to them that people attended today. The Illouz relatives, encompassing Guy's siblings and male sibling, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the seven-day period of grieving, after learning of his passing in December of the year before. But now that Guy was ultimately back with them, they required "people around them again."
"This brings me comfort that you attended," expressed Michel. "Your presence is deeply appreciated."
Father's Tribute
He addressed his son. "My Guy-shuk," he said, using a loving expression, "it's difficult for me to conceive the days ahead without you. They took you from me – they killed you – they captured my essence and robbed my persona and murdered my soul and feelings."
"I feel empty inside since that senseless shooting by those evil terrorists when they seized you and told you to turn around, and then merely shot two gratuitous rounds into your dorsal area."
Ultimate Parting
"And here I am this morning, heading toward Abu Kabir forensic institute to confirm your identity and part ways. They removed the white sheet, and the initial sight I observed was that smile of yours, that optimism, that calm demeanor and nobility that so defined you."
"I made contact, tried to sense your aroma, gently felt each part in your body. I looked at you, I was by myself with you, and yes, I felt with complete conviction that it was you. Yes, I know, Guy-shuk, that you've come back home. You've rejoined your family's embrace, to all your friends, and to the numerous individuals whose emotions your experience impacted."
Familial Courage
During the initial segment of the service, Illouz had focused entirely on consoling his smaller offspring. He gently touched the locks of his daughters, held his son, showed affection and gathered his emotions for them. But then his feelings emerged.
Treasured Recollections
"I will long for so much exploring alongside you through this nation, feeling you, hearing your music, sitting in the hills and igniting the flame to make coffee the way only you knew how – 'Father, do you see the coffee foam? You have to boil it gently, let the foam rise, then boil it again. Mix the beverage with rotating movements' – and then your expression while enjoying the drink and your pleasure in every particular taste."
"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I kept my promise. I gazed upon you, breathed you in one final moment, and yes, I planted a kiss on the forehead. I was could perceive your beauty even in the state in which you came back."
Closing Statement
"My dear son, I care for you deeply, I treasure you. I will long for you every moment and tiny segment of my existence. Find peace, my sweet one, relax after a travel of multiple seasons through worlds unknown to us. I hold you dear, my beloved son, my beloved firstborn son."
