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While Michel Illouz carefully navigated through the masses beneath the tall evergreens and tropical trees at the burial ground in Ra'anana, a community located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to countless visitors as he could.

He had extended an welcoming message to the local community to stand with his relatives in mourning his 26-year-old son, Guy, whose remains had been brought back from Gaza on Monday.

Substantial Gathering

Numerous people answered the call. They lined the streets, followed the hearse carrying his mortal coil, and arrived at the memorial grounds in such large quantities that the original plan to hold the ceremony indoors had to be discarded.

As an alternative, the ceremony was conducted in the open air, accompanied by the sound of singing birds.

Important Moment

This represented the opening memorial service since the last 20 living hostages were returned from Gaza, together with several deceased individuals. Another twenty-one of the dead prisoners continue to be lost, but at minimum this household now had a particular spot to express sorrow and honor their son, per friends.

Sorrowful Account

Guy Illouz, a artist and audio engineer, had been struck from behind at the Nova music festival during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Prior to the incident, he had contacted his father from a hiding place to tell him he cared; to offer final words. He was seized, and according to those held with him, he eventually succumbed from his injuries due to medical neglect.

Loved One's Insight

A family friend of the Illouz family, Michelle, fifty years old, mentioned that it had been extremely important to them that people attended today. The Illouz family members, encompassing Guy's siblings and brother, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the seven-day period of mourning, after discovering of his passing in December of the previous year. But now that Guy was at long last back with them, they needed "people around them again."

"My spirit is uplifted that you joined us," expressed Michel. "Your presence is deeply appreciated."

Dad's Eulogy

He addressed his son. "My dear Guy," he uttered, using a term of endearment, "it's hard for me to envision the days ahead without you. They grabbed you from me – they murdered you – they stole my being and robbed my persona and killed my inner being and feelings."

"There's a void within me since that meaningless attack by those vicious attackers when they apprehended you and told you to turn around, and then just discharged two gratuitous rounds into your posterior."

Ultimate Parting

"So I found myself this morning, heading toward Abu Kabir forensic institute to verify your remains and part ways. They unveiled the shroud, and the first thing I observed was that characteristic grin, that positive outlook, that peaceful presence and nobility that so characterized you."

"I touched you, tried to smell you, 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 returned to us. You've returned to your loved ones' arms, to all your friends, and to the numerous individuals whose emotions your narrative touched."

Family Strength

Throughout the initial segment of the ceremony, Illouz had focused entirely on consoling his younger children. He stroked the hair of his female children, held his son, kissed his neck and composed himself for them. But then his feelings emerged.

Treasured Recollections

"I will long for so much traveling with you through this land, experiencing your company, listening to your compositions, resting on elevated terrain and igniting the flame to create the drink the way only you knew how – 'Dad, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to boil it gently, let the bubbles form, then simmer it additionally. Mix the beverage with circular motions' – and then your grin while enjoying the drink and your enjoyment in every particular taste."

"Earlier than my exit Abu Kabir today, I honored my word. I gazed upon you, breathed you in one final moment, and yes, I bestowed affection on the brow. I was managed to observe your attractiveness even in the situation in which you were repatriated."

Ultimate Expression

"My Guy-shuk, I care for you deeply, I love you. I will yearn for you every moment and tiny segment of my existence. Be at ease, my sweet one, relax after a travel of two years through unexplored dimensions to us. I hold you dear, my dear Guy, my treasured initial offspring."