Countless Come to First Israeli Funeral Since Captive Remains Came Back
When Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the masses beneath the tall evergreens and date palms at the burial ground in Ra'anana, a urban center located approximately 20 kilometers north of Tel Aviv, he expressed gratitude to countless visitors as he could.
Previously he offered an invitation to the nation's citizens to stand with his relatives in grieving his young adult son, Guy, whose physical form had been returned from Gaza on Monday.
Massive Turnout
Numerous people answered the invitation. They occupied the avenues, accompanied the funeral vehicle carrying his remains, and arrived at the burial site in such significant numbers that the initial arrangement to hold the service indoors had to be discarded.
As an alternative, the event was held outdoors, with the background of the sound of avian melodies.
Significant Milestone
This signified the opening memorial service since the final 20 living hostages were released from Gaza, accompanied by several deceased individuals. Another twenty-one of the dead prisoners are still unaccounted for, but at minimum this household now had a designated location to mourn and remember their son, as stated by companions.
Tragic Story
Guy Illouz, a artist and recording specialist, had been shot in the back at the Nova music festival during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Earlier that morning, he had contacted his father from a concealed location to express his love; to offer final words. He was seized, and based on those captured simultaneously, he subsequently passed away from his trauma due to lack of treatment.
Family Perspective
A close acquaintance of the Illouz family, Michelle, fifty years old, mentioned that it had been extremely important to them that individuals came today. The Illouz relatives, comprising Guy's siblings and male sibling, had observed shiva, the extended period of mourning, after discovering of his death in December of the previous year. But now that Guy was ultimately back with them, they needed "supportive individuals again."
"It warms my heart that you joined us," stated Michel. "We don't take it for granted."
Parent's Homage
He turned to his son. "My dear Guy," he uttered, using a affectionate nickname, "it's hard for me to imagine the future without you. They snatched you from me – they murdered you – they captured my essence and robbed my persona and destroyed my spirit and feelings."
"I feel empty inside since that meaningless attack by those malicious militants when they caught you and told you to turn around, and then simply fired two needless bullets into your dorsal area."
Last Farewell
"And here I am this morning, heading toward Abu Kabir medical examiner's office to identify you and bid farewell. They removed the white sheet, and the primary view I observed was that smile of yours, that optimism, that serenity and nobility that so exemplified you."
"I touched you, tried to smell you, tenderly touched all areas in your body. I saw you, I was alone 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 come back to your relatives' care, to all your companions, and to the numerous individuals whose feelings your story impacted."
Family Strength
In the early part of the service, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on supporting his younger children. He gently touched the locks of his girls, held his son, showed affection and composed himself for them. But then his emotions surfaced.
Treasured Recollections
"I will long for so much journeying together through this land, sensing your presence, hearing your music, relaxing in mountainous areas and activating the stove to make coffee the way only you mastered – 'Father, do you see the coffee froth? You have to boil it gently, let the bubbles form, then boil it again. Mix the beverage with spinning actions' – and then your grin while enjoying the drink and your enjoyment in every single drop."
"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I fulfilled my commitment. I observed you, breathed you in one final moment, and yes, I planted a kiss on the front of your head. I was able to see your beauty even in the state in which you returned to us."
Final Words
"My Guy-shuk, I care for you deeply, I treasure you. I will miss you every moment and minute of my existence. Find peace, my beloved son, repose after a journey of 24 months through worlds unknown to us. I care for you, my Guy-shuk, my treasured initial offspring."
