While 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 numerous participants as possible.
He had extended an open call to the Israeli public to stand with his relatives in grieving his 26-year-old son, Guy, whose body had been returned from Gaza on Monday.
Massive Turnout
Countless individuals heeded the request. They occupied the avenues, followed the hearse carrying his remains, and arrived at the cemetery in such significant numbers that the original plan to hold the ceremony indoors had to be discarded.
Instead, the ceremony was held outdoors, with the background of the sound of birdsong.
Notable Occasion
This represented the first funeral since the remaining score of prisoners were returned from Gaza, along with multiple remains. Additional 21 of the fallen captives remain missing, but at the very minimum this household now had a particular spot to grieve and commemorate their son, per close acquaintances.
Tragic Story
Guy Illouz, a performer and audio engineer, had been shot in the back at the Nova music festival during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Before the tragedy unfolded, he had contacted his father from a sheltered spot to tell him he cared; to bid farewell. He was captured, and per those held with him, he later died from his wounds due to inadequate care.
Loved One's Insight
A close acquaintance of the Illouz family, Michelle, fifty years old, mentioned that it had been vitally significant to them that the public gathered today. The Illouz household, comprising Guy's two younger sisters and male sibling, had practiced the mourning period, the week-long period of grieving, after being informed of his passing in December of the prior year. But now that Guy was finally back with them, they required "supportive individuals again."
"This brings me comfort that you attended," expressed Michel. "Your presence is deeply appreciated."
Parent's Homage
He turned to his son. "My Guy-shuk," he said, using a affectionate nickname, "it's challenging for me to envision the days ahead without you. They grabbed you from me – they killed you – they stole my being and took my sense of self and killed my inner being and feelings."
"I feel empty inside since that senseless shooting by those malicious militants when they caught you and commanded you to turn around, and then simply fired two unnecessary shots into your back."
Final Goodbye
"So I found myself this morning, traveling to Abu Kabir forensic institute to confirm your identity and part ways. They took off the covering, and the primary view I noticed was that smile of yours, that hopeful nature, that calm demeanor and nobility that so characterized you."
"I reached out, tried to detect your scent, caressed every bone in your body. I saw 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 returned to us. You've come back to your family's embrace, to all your friends, and to the countless people whose emotions your experience affected."
Family Strength
During the beginning phase of the service, Illouz had concentrated completely on comforting his junior family members. He stroked the hair of his girls, supported his male child, demonstrated love and composed himself for them. But then his feelings emerged.
Treasured Recollections
"I will long for so much traveling with you through this country, feeling you, listening to your compositions, resting on elevated terrain and activating the stove to prepare the beverage the way only you knew how – 'Papa, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to simmer it carefully, let the bubbles form, then heat it once more. Mix the beverage with spinning actions' – and then your expression while tasting the beverage and your delight in every individual sip."
"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I kept my promise. I observed you, breathed you in one final moment, and yes, I bestowed affection on the forehead. I was able to see your beauty even in the condition in which you came back."
Closing Statement
"Beloved child, I love you so much, I love you. I will yearn for you every instant and brief period of my time. Find peace, my beloved son, relax after a journey of 24 months through unfamiliar realms to us. I care for you, my beloved son, my treasured initial offspring."
