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When Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the masses beneath the Mediterranean pines and palm trees at the cemetery in Ra'anana, a community located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he thanked people to numerous participants as possible.

Previously he offered an open call to the local community to stand with his relatives in grieving his 26-year-old son, Guy, whose body had been returned from Gaza on Monday.

Substantial Gathering

Numerous people answered the call. They occupied the avenues, followed the hearse carrying his body, and arrived at the memorial grounds in such substantial amounts that the original plan to stage the memorial indoors had to be abandoned.

Instead, the gathering was organized in the open air, set to the melody of birdsong.

Important Moment

This represented the first funeral since the remaining 20 living hostages were released from Gaza, accompanied by multiple remains. Additional 21 of the deceased hostages remain missing, but at least this household now had a specific place to express sorrow and commemorate their son, per companions.

Tragic Story

Guy Illouz, a musician and recording specialist, had been targeted in his posterior at the Nova musical gathering during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Earlier that morning, he had called his father from a concealed location to tell him he cared; to bid farewell. He was seized, and per those held with him, he eventually succumbed from his trauma due to inadequate care.

Relative's Viewpoint

A close acquaintance of the Illouz family, Michelle, in her fifth decade, mentioned that it had been extremely important to them that people attended today. The Illouz family members, comprising Guy's two younger sisters and male sibling, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the week-long period of mourning, after being informed of his passing in December of the prior year. But now that Guy was at long last back with them, they needed "supportive individuals again."

"It warms my heart that you attended," stated Michel. "This means everything to us."

Parent's Homage

He turned to his son. "Beloved Guy," he expressed, using a affectionate nickname, "it's difficult for me to imagine the time to come without you. They grabbed you from me – they killed you – they kidnapped me and stole my identity and murdered my soul and feelings."

"I feel empty inside since that senseless shooting by those malicious militants when they caught you and instructed you to turn around, and then merely shot two needless bullets into your posterior."

Last Farewell

"Thus I stood this morning, traveling to Abu Kabir forensic institute to identify you and part ways. They took off the covering, and the first thing I noticed was that characteristic grin, that optimism, that calm demeanor and dignity that so defined you."

"I reached out, tried to smell you, tenderly touched all areas 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 loved ones' arms, to all your friends, and to the millions of citizens whose emotions your experience impacted."

Family Strength

In the initial segment of the ceremony, Illouz had focused entirely on consoling his younger children. He tenderly caressed the strands of his daughters, embraced his boy, demonstrated love and maintained composure for them. But then his feelings emerged.

Precious Moments

"I'll miss so much traveling with you through this country, feeling you, enjoying your artistic creations, resting on elevated terrain and igniting the flame to prepare the beverage the way only you understood – 'Father, 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 grin while enjoying the drink and your pleasure in every single drop."

"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I fulfilled my commitment. I observed you, inhaled your essence one ultimate occasion, and yes, I planted a kiss on the brow. I was able to see your attractiveness even in the situation in which you returned to us."

Ultimate Expression

"Beloved child, I care for you deeply, I love you. I will long for you every moment and minute of my life. Rest now, my sweet one, relax after a passage of multiple seasons through unexplored dimensions to us. I care for you, my Guy-shuk, my cherished eldest child."