🔗 Share this article

While Michel Illouz gradually progressed through the masses beneath the tall evergreens and palm trees at the cemetery in Ra'anana, a urban center located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to countless visitors as possible.

Previously he offered an open call to the Israeli public to accompany his loved ones in honoring the memory of his twenty-six-year-old son, Guy, whose body had been returned from Gaza on Monday.

Massive Turnout

Countless individuals heeded the call. They occupied the avenues, accompanied the funeral vehicle carrying his remains, and gathered at the burial site in such significant numbers that the initial arrangement to conduct the memorial indoors had to be canceled.

Rather, the gathering was conducted in the open air, with the background of the sound of singing birds.

Important Moment

This marked the opening memorial service since the last 20 living hostages came back from Gaza, accompanied by seven bodies. A further twenty-one of the fallen captives are still unaccounted for, but at least this loved ones now had a specific place to grieve and commemorate their son, as stated by friends.

Tragic Story

Guy Illouz, a performer and sound technician, had been struck from behind at the Nova concert event during the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023. Before the tragedy unfolded, he had contacted his father from a hiding place to share his affection; to offer final words. He was taken hostage, and according to those imprisoned alongside him, he later died from his wounds due to medical neglect.

Family Perspective

A close acquaintance of the Illouz family, Michelle, in her fifth decade, mentioned that it had been extremely important to them that individuals came today. The Illouz household, including Guy's two younger sisters and brother, had observed shiva, the extended period of mourning, after being informed of his passing in December of the prior year. But now that Guy was ultimately back with them, they desired "people around them again."

"It warms my heart that you came," expressed Michel. "Your presence is deeply appreciated."

Father's Tribute

He addressed his son. "Beloved Guy," he said, using a loving expression, "it's challenging for me to envision the future without you. They snatched you from me – they murdered you – they kidnapped me and robbed my persona and destroyed my spirit and feelings."

"I've been left hollow since that pointless violence by those vicious attackers when they apprehended you and commanded you to turn around, and then merely shot two unnecessary shots into your back."

Final Goodbye

"And here I am this morning, heading toward Abu Kabir medical examiner's office to identify you and part ways. They took off the covering, and the primary view I noticed was that familiar expression, that optimism, that peaceful presence and nobility that so exemplified you."

"I made contact, tried to detect your scent, tenderly touched all areas in your body. I saw 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 rejoined our family. You've returned to your family's embrace, to all your friends, and to the numerous individuals whose emotions your experience affected."

Family Strength

Throughout the early part of the ceremony, Illouz had focused entirely on comforting his younger children. He tenderly caressed the strands of his female children, supported his male child, kissed his neck and composed himself for them. But then his voice broke.

Cherished Memories

"I'll miss so much exploring alongside you through this nation, sensing your presence, hearing your music, relaxing in mountainous areas and lighting the burner to make coffee the way only you understood – 'Dad, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to heat it slowly, let the lather develop, then heat it once more. Agitate the liquid with circular motions' – and then your smile while tasting the beverage and your enjoyment in every individual sip."

"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I honored my word. I gazed upon you, absorbed your presence one ultimate occasion, and yes, I planted a kiss on the brow. I was managed to observe your beauty even in the state in which you came back."

Ultimate Expression

"My dear son, I care for you deeply, I love you. I will long for you every instant and brief period of my time. Be at ease, my dear child, rest after a passage of 24 months through unfamiliar realms to us. I love you, my Guy-shuk, my treasured initial offspring."