When Michel Illouz gradually progressed through the crowds beneath the cypress trees and palm trees at the cemetery in Ra'anana, a city located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to as many attendees as feasible.
Previously he offered an open call to the nation's citizens to stand with his relatives in mourning his 26-year-old son, Guy, whose remains had been repatriated from Gaza on Monday.
Massive Turnout
Thousands responded the invitation. They occupied the avenues, followed the hearse carrying his body, and arrived at the burial site in such substantial amounts that the primary scheme to hold the ceremony indoors had to be discarded.
Instead, the gathering was organized outdoors, with the background of the melody of birdsong.
Significant Milestone
This marked the initial burial ceremony since the final two dozen captives came back from Gaza, accompanied by several deceased individuals. A further twenty-one of the fallen captives are still unaccounted for, but at least this family now had a specific place to grieve and honor their son, according to companions.
Sorrowful Account
Guy Illouz, a artist and sound technician, had been shot in the back at the Nova musical gathering during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Earlier that morning, he had reached out to his father from a concealed location to express his love; to bid farewell. He was captured, and according to those imprisoned alongside him, he subsequently passed away from his wounds due to inadequate care.
Relative's Viewpoint
A family friend of the Illouz relatives, Michelle, in her fifth decade, commented that it had been extremely important to them that individuals came today. The Illouz family members, comprising Guy's siblings and brother, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the week-long period of bereavement, after being informed of his demise in December of the year before. But now that Guy was finally back with them, they desired "people around them again."
"It warms my heart that you attended," said Michel. "We don't take it for granted."
Father's Tribute
He turned to his son. "Beloved Guy," he said, using a term of endearment, "it's hard for me to conceive the future without you. They grabbed you from me – they killed you – they captured my essence and robbed my persona and murdered my soul and emotional core."
"I've been left hollow since that pointless violence by those malicious militants when they apprehended you and told you to turn around, and then merely shot two needless bullets into your back."
Last Farewell
"So I found myself this morning, heading toward Abu Kabir forensic institute to confirm your identity and say goodbye. They took off the covering, and the first thing I noticed was that smile of yours, that hopeful nature, that peaceful presence and dignity that so characterized you."
"I reached out, tried to sense your aroma, gently felt each part in your body. I observed 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 come back home. You've come back to your family's embrace, to all your close associates, and to the numerous individuals whose emotions your narrative impacted."
Parental Resilience
In the beginning phase of the memorial, Illouz had concentrated completely on comforting his smaller offspring. He stroked the hair of his female children, supported his male child, showed affection and composed himself for them. But then his emotions surfaced.
Precious Moments
"I will yearn for so much exploring alongside you through this land, feeling you, enjoying your artistic creations, resting on elevated terrain and activating the stove to create the drink the way only you knew how – 'Dad, do you see the coffee froth? You have to boil it gently, let the foam rise, then heat it once more. Mix the beverage with circular motions' – and then your smile while sipping the coffee and your pleasure in every individual sip."
"Earlier than my exit Abu Kabir today, I fulfilled my commitment. I looked at you, absorbed your presence one last time, and yes, I kissed you on the forehead. I was could perceive your attractiveness even in the state in which you were repatriated."
Closing Statement
"My Guy-shuk, I care for you deeply, I cherish you. I will long for you every moment and tiny segment of my life. Be at ease, my beloved son, repose after a journey of 24 months through unfamiliar realms to us. I care for you, my dear Guy, my treasured initial offspring."
