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While Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the crowds beneath the cypress trees and tropical trees at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a community located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to as many attendees as feasible.

He had extended an welcoming message to the Israeli public to join his family in mourning his young adult son, Guy, whose remains had been returned from Gaza on Monday.

Substantial Gathering

Thousands responded the request. They lined the streets, followed the hearse carrying his mortal coil, and converged on the burial site in such large quantities that the primary scheme to conduct the memorial indoors had to be discarded.

Instead, the ceremony was organized outdoors, with the background of the melody of avian melodies.

Important Moment

This represented the opening memorial service since the remaining two dozen captives came back from Gaza, together with multiple remains. A further 21 of the deceased hostages remain missing, but at the very minimum this household now had a particular spot to express sorrow and commemorate their son, per close acquaintances.

Sorrowful Account

Guy Illouz, a musician and audio engineer, had been struck from behind at the Nova musical gathering during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Earlier that morning, he had reached out to his father from a sheltered spot to share his affection; to say goodbye. He was taken hostage, and based on those imprisoned alongside him, he eventually succumbed from his injuries due to lack of treatment.

Family Perspective

A close acquaintance of the Illouz relatives, Michelle, fifty years old, commented that it had been vitally significant to them that individuals came today. The Illouz household, comprising Guy's siblings and male sibling, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the seven-day period of grieving, after discovering of his passing in December of the previous year. But now that Guy was at long last back with them, they desired "people around them again."

"This brings me comfort that you joined us," expressed Michel. "We don't take it for granted."

Father's Tribute

He turned to his son. "Beloved Guy," he said, using a loving expression, "it's challenging for me to imagine the future without you. They snatched you from me – they ended your life – they stole my being and stole my identity and killed my inner being and heart."

"I feel empty inside since that meaningless attack by those vicious attackers when they caught you and instructed you to turn around, and then simply fired two unnecessary shots into your posterior."

Final Goodbye

"Thus I stood this morning, driving to Abu Kabir identification center to confirm your identity and bid farewell. They unveiled the shroud, and the first thing I saw was that familiar expression, that optimism, that peaceful presence and grace that so exemplified you."

"I reached out, tried to sense your aroma, gently felt each part in your body. I observed you, I was in private 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 come back to your family's embrace, to all your friends, and to the countless people whose hearts your experience impacted."

Family Strength

During the early part of the service, Illouz had focused entirely on supporting his younger children. He stroked the hair of his female children, supported his male child, kissed his neck and composed himself for them. But then his emotions surfaced.

Cherished Memories

"I will yearn for so much journeying together through this nation, sensing your presence, enjoying your artistic creations, relaxing in mountainous areas and igniting the flame to make coffee the way only you mastered – 'Dad, do you see the coffee bubbles? You have to heat it slowly, let the foam rise, then boil it again. Stir the coffee with circular motions' – and then your grin while tasting the beverage and your pleasure in every individual sip."

"Before I left Abu Kabir today, I honored my word. I observed you, absorbed your presence one last time, and yes, I planted a kiss on the brow. I was managed to observe your handsomeness even in the condition in which you returned to us."

Final Words

"My Guy-shuk, I adore you completely, I love you. I will yearn for you every instant and minute of my life. Rest now, my dear child, relax after a passage of multiple seasons through unfamiliar realms to us. I love you, my Guy-shuk, my beloved firstborn son."