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As Michel Illouz carefully navigated through the throngs beneath the Mediterranean pines and tropical trees at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a community located 13 miles north of Tel Aviv, he thanked people to countless visitors as feasible.

Previously he offered an welcoming message to the nation's citizens to accompany his loved ones in grieving his 26-year-old son, Guy, whose body had been repatriated from Gaza on Monday.

Massive Turnout

Countless individuals heeded the call. They filled the roads, processed behind the coffin transport carrying his remains, and gathered at the cemetery in such large quantities that the primary scheme to hold the service indoors had to be abandoned.

Rather, the gathering was organized outdoors, with the background of the melody of singing birds.

Important Moment

This marked the opening memorial service since the last two dozen captives were released from Gaza, along with multiple remains. Additional twenty-one of the fallen captives remain missing, but at least this loved ones now had a particular spot to express sorrow and honor their son, as stated by friends.

Sorrowful Account

Guy Illouz, a artist and recording specialist, had been struck from behind at the Nova music festival during the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023. Earlier that morning, he had called his father from a sheltered spot to share his affection; to say goodbye. He was seized, and per those imprisoned alongside him, he later died from his trauma due to medical neglect.

Family Perspective

A family friend of the Illouz family, Michelle, in her fifth decade, mentioned that it had been vitally significant to them that individuals came today. The Illouz relatives, including Guy's female relatives and brother, had practiced the mourning period, the seven-day period of bereavement, after learning of his demise in December of the year before. But now that Guy was ultimately back with them, they desired "people around them again."

"This brings me comfort that you attended," expressed Michel. "This means everything to us."

Father's Tribute

He spoke to his son. "Beloved Guy," he uttered, using a affectionate nickname, "it's hard for me to imagine the days ahead without you. They snatched you from me – they murdered you – they stole my being and robbed my persona and murdered my soul and emotional core."

"There's a void within me since that senseless shooting by those evil terrorists when they caught you and commanded you to turn around, and then simply fired two gratuitous rounds into your back."

Last Farewell

"Thus I stood this morning, heading toward Abu Kabir identification center to identify you and part ways. They unveiled the shroud, and the first thing I observed was that characteristic grin, that hopeful nature, that serenity and dignity that so characterized you."

"I touched you, tried to smell you, caressed every bone in your body. I looked at you, I was alone with you, and yes, I felt with total assurance 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 close associates, and to the countless people whose hearts your narrative affected."

Familial Courage

Throughout the early part of the memorial, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on supporting his junior family members. He stroked the hair of his female children, held his son, demonstrated love and gathered his emotions for them. But then his feelings emerged.

Cherished Memories

"I will long for so much traveling with you through this country, sensing your presence, hearing your music, relaxing in mountainous areas and lighting the burner to prepare the beverage the way only you knew how – 'Father, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to simmer it carefully, let the bubbles form, then simmer it additionally. Stir the coffee with rotating movements' – and then your grin while sipping the coffee and your delight in every individual sip."

"Before I left Abu Kabir today, I honored my word. I looked at you, absorbed your presence one ultimate occasion, and yes, I bestowed affection on the forehead. I was managed to observe your handsomeness even in the condition in which you came back."

Final Words

"My dear son, I adore you completely, I cherish you. I will yearn for you every instant and brief period of my life. Rest now, my beloved son, relax after a travel of two years through worlds unknown to us. I hold you dear, my beloved son, my cherished eldest child."