🔗 Share this article

While Michel Illouz gradually progressed through the throngs beneath the cypress trees and tropical trees at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a city located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he expressed gratitude to countless visitors as he could.

He had extended an welcoming message to the Israeli public to accompany his loved ones in mourning his twenty-six-year-old son, Guy, whose physical form had been repatriated from Gaza on Monday.

Massive Turnout

Thousands responded the invitation. They filled the roads, followed the hearse carrying his body, and arrived at the burial site in such large quantities that the initial arrangement to conduct the ceremony indoors had to be canceled.

As an alternative, the gathering was conducted in the open air, set to the chorus of singing birds.

Important Moment

This marked the opening memorial service since the final 20 living hostages were returned from Gaza, together with multiple remains. A further twenty-one of the deceased hostages remain missing, but at the very minimum this household now had a particular spot to mourn and commemorate their son, per close acquaintances.

Sorrowful Account

Guy Illouz, a artist and sound technician, had been shot in the back at the Nova concert event during the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023. Before the tragedy unfolded, he had called his father from a sheltered spot to tell him he cared; to offer final words. He was seized, and based on those held with him, he later died from his trauma due to lack of treatment.

Family Perspective

A trusted companion of the Illouz family, Michelle, fifty years old, mentioned that it had been extremely important to them that people attended today. The Illouz household, including Guy's female relatives and brother, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the week-long period of mourning, after being informed of his demise in December of the prior year. But now that Guy was at long last back with them, they required "caring community again."

"This brings me comfort that you joined us," expressed Michel. "We don't take it for granted."

Dad's Eulogy

He spoke to his son. "My Guy-shuk," he expressed, using a affectionate nickname, "it's hard for me to imagine the days ahead without you. They grabbed you from me – they murdered you – they captured my essence and took my sense of self and destroyed my spirit and feelings."

"I've been left hollow since that senseless shooting by those malicious militants when they seized you and told you to turn around, and then just discharged two needless bullets into your posterior."

Last Farewell

"And here I am this morning, traveling to Abu Kabir medical examiner's office to confirm your identity and bid farewell. They unveiled the shroud, and the initial sight I observed was that smile of yours, that optimism, that calm demeanor and nobility that so defined you."

"I reached out, tried to sense your aroma, tenderly touched all areas 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 rejoined your relatives' care, to all your friends, and to the countless people whose feelings your experience impacted."

Family Strength

In the beginning phase of the service, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on supporting his junior family members. He gently touched the locks of his girls, supported his male child, kissed his neck and gathered his emotions for them. But then his feelings emerged.

Treasured Recollections

"I'll miss so much exploring alongside you through this nation, feeling you, hearing your music, resting on elevated terrain and activating the stove to create the drink the way only you knew how – 'Dad, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to heat it slowly, let the bubbles form, then boil it again. Stir the coffee with rotating movements' – and then your expression while enjoying the drink and your pleasure in every single drop."

"Before I left Abu Kabir today, I honored my word. I looked at you, inhaled your essence one last time, and yes, I kissed you on the front of your head. I was could perceive your handsomeness even in the state in which you returned to us."

Closing Statement

"Beloved child, I care for you deeply, I treasure you. I will miss you every moment and brief period of my time. Rest now, my dear child, repose after a travel of 24 months through unfamiliar realms to us. I care for you, my Guy-shuk, my cherished eldest child."