When Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the masses beneath the cypress trees and tropical trees at the burial ground in Ra'anana, a urban center located approximately 20 kilometers north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to as many attendees as possible.
Earlier he provided an invitation to the nation's citizens to stand with his relatives in grieving his young adult son, Guy, whose body had been repatriated from Gaza on Monday.
Substantial Gathering
Numerous people answered the invitation. They filled the roads, followed the hearse carrying his mortal coil, and arrived at the burial site in such significant numbers that the primary scheme to stage the memorial indoors had to be abandoned.
Rather, the event was conducted outside, with the background of the sound of singing birds.
Notable Occasion
This signified the first funeral since the remaining 20 living hostages were returned from Gaza, together with multiple remains. Additional 21 of the deceased hostages remain missing, but at least this loved ones now had a designated location to express sorrow and remember their son, according to close acquaintances.
Tragic Story
Guy Illouz, a musician and recording specialist, had been struck from behind at the Nova concert event during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Before the tragedy unfolded, he had reached out to his father from a hiding place to share his affection; to bid farewell. He was taken hostage, and based on those captured simultaneously, he eventually succumbed from his wounds due to medical neglect.
Relative's Viewpoint
A family friend of the Illouz family, Michelle, in her fifth decade, commented that it had been extremely important to them that individuals came today. The Illouz relatives, including Guy's two younger sisters and brother, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the extended period of grieving, after learning of his demise in December of the year before. But now that Guy was finally back with them, they needed "people around them again."
"My spirit is uplifted that you attended," said Michel. "Your presence is deeply appreciated."
Dad's Eulogy
He addressed his son. "Beloved 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 ended your life – they stole my being and robbed my persona and murdered my soul and feelings."
"I've been left hollow since that pointless violence by those evil terrorists when they caught you and told you to turn around, and then just discharged two gratuitous rounds into your dorsal area."
Last Farewell
"Thus I stood this morning, driving to Abu Kabir medical examiner's office to confirm your identity and bid farewell. They unveiled the shroud, and the first thing I noticed was that smile of yours, that positive outlook, that serenity and dignity that so characterized you."
"I made contact, tried to smell you, gently felt each part in your body. I saw you, I was alone 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 returned to your family's embrace, to all your close associates, and to the millions of citizens whose hearts your story impacted."
Family Strength
During the early part of the ceremony, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on consoling his younger children. He gently touched the locks of his female children, held his son, demonstrated love and composed himself for them. But then his emotions surfaced.
Precious Moments
"I'll miss so much exploring alongside you through this land, experiencing your company, hearing your music, sitting in the hills and activating the stove to make coffee the way only you knew how – 'Father, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to boil it gently, let the lather develop, then simmer it additionally. Stir the coffee with spinning actions' – and then your grin while enjoying the drink and your pleasure in every single drop."
"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I kept my promise. I gazed upon you, inhaled your essence one final moment, and yes, I planted a kiss on the forehead. I was able to see your attractiveness even in the situation in which you came back."
Closing Statement
"My Guy-shuk, I love you so much, I treasure you. I will miss you every second and minute of my existence. Rest now, my beloved son, repose after a journey of two years through unfamiliar realms to us. I care for you, my Guy-shuk, my beloved firstborn son."
