🔗 Share this article Numerous Come to Initial Israeli Memorial Service Following Captive Remains Were Repatriated As Michel Illouz gradually progressed through the throngs beneath the cypress trees and date palms at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a community located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to countless visitors as feasible. Previously he offered an welcoming message to the nation's citizens to stand with his relatives in mourning his twenty-six-year-old son, Guy, whose remains had been returned from Gaza on Monday. Overwhelming Response Thousands responded the call. They lined the streets, accompanied the funeral vehicle carrying his mortal coil, and arrived at the memorial grounds in such substantial amounts that the original plan to conduct the ceremony indoors had to be abandoned. As an alternative, the ceremony was held in the open air, with the background of the chorus of birdsong. Important Moment This marked the first funeral since the remaining 20 living hostages came back from Gaza, accompanied by several deceased individuals. Another 21 of the fallen captives continue to be lost, but at minimum this household now had a particular spot to express sorrow and remember their son, per close acquaintances. Tragic Story Guy Illouz, a musician and sound technician, had been shot in the back at the Nova concert event during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Earlier that morning, he had contacted his father from a concealed location to share his affection; to say goodbye. He was seized, and per those imprisoned alongside him, he subsequently passed away from his trauma due to inadequate care. Family Perspective A close acquaintance of the Illouz relatives, Michelle, aged 50, mentioned that it had been vitally significant to them that the public gathered today. The Illouz family members, including Guy's female relatives and male sibling, had observed shiva, the week-long period of mourning, after learning of his demise in December of the previous year. But now that Guy was ultimately 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." Parent's Homage He addressed his son. "Beloved Guy," he expressed, using a term of endearment, "it's hard for me to envision the days ahead without you. They grabbed you from me – they killed you – they kidnapped me and stole my identity and murdered my soul and feelings." "There's a void within me since that meaningless attack by those evil terrorists when they seized you and instructed you to turn around, and then simply fired two needless bullets into your dorsal area." Last Farewell "So I found myself this morning, driving to Abu Kabir forensic institute to confirm your identity and say goodbye. They took off the covering, and the first thing I observed was that characteristic grin, that positive outlook, that serenity and grace that so exemplified you." "I touched you, tried to detect your scent, caressed every bone in your body. I looked at you, I was by myself with you, and yes, I felt with total assurance 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 friends, and to the millions of citizens whose emotions your experience touched." Familial Courage Throughout the early part of the ceremony, Illouz had focused entirely on comforting his smaller offspring. He gently touched the locks of his girls, supported his male child, kissed his neck and maintained composure for them. But then his feelings emerged. Cherished Memories "I will long for so much journeying together through this country, experiencing your company, enjoying your artistic creations, sitting in the hills and activating the stove to create the drink the way only you mastered – 'Dad, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to boil it gently, let the lather develop, then heat it once more. Agitate the liquid with spinning actions' – and then your smile while enjoying the drink and your pleasure in every individual sip." "Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I fulfilled my commitment. I looked at you, absorbed your presence one final moment, and yes, I bestowed affection on the forehead. I was managed to observe your attractiveness even in the state in which you returned to us." Closing Statement "My Guy-shuk, I adore you completely, I cherish you. I will long for you every instant and brief period of my existence. Find peace, my sweet one, repose after a journey of 24 months through unfamiliar realms to us. I love you, my Guy-shuk, my beloved firstborn son."