When Michel Illouz gradually progressed through the crowds beneath the tall evergreens and tropical trees at the cemetery in Ra'anana, a urban center located about 21 km north of Tel Aviv, he expressed gratitude to as many attendees as possible.
Previously he offered an open call to the nation's citizens to accompany his loved ones in honoring the memory of his young adult son, Guy, whose physical form had been brought back from Gaza on Monday.
Overwhelming Response
Numerous people answered the call. They occupied the avenues, accompanied the funeral vehicle carrying his remains, and gathered at the cemetery in such large quantities that the initial arrangement to conduct the memorial indoors had to be abandoned.
As an alternative, the event was held outside, with the background of the sound of singing birds.
Significant Milestone
This represented the opening memorial service since the final score of prisoners were released from Gaza, together with several deceased individuals. Additional more than twenty of the dead prisoners remain missing, but at least this loved ones now had a specific place to mourn and remember their son, per companions.
Sorrowful Account
Guy Illouz, a performer and recording specialist, had been targeted in his posterior at the Nova musical gathering during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Before the tragedy unfolded, he had called his father from a hiding place to share his affection; to say goodbye. He was seized, and according to those captured simultaneously, he later died from his wounds due to inadequate care.
Relative's Viewpoint
A family friend of the Illouz family, Michelle, in her fifth decade, commented that it had been extremely important to them that individuals came today. The Illouz household, comprising Guy's female relatives and male sibling, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the extended period of bereavement, after being informed of his passing in December of the previous year. But now that Guy was at long last back with them, they required "supportive individuals again."
"This brings me comfort that you attended," said Michel. "We don't take it for granted."
Dad's Eulogy
He addressed his son. "My Guy-shuk," he said, using a term of endearment, "it's challenging for me to imagine the future without you. They grabbed you from me – they killed you – they captured my essence and robbed my persona and killed my inner being and heart."
"I've been left hollow since that pointless violence by those malicious militants when they apprehended you and commanded you to turn around, and then just discharged two unnecessary shots into your back."
Last Farewell
"And here I am this morning, traveling to Abu Kabir identification center to confirm your identity and say goodbye. They unveiled the shroud, and the primary view I saw was that smile of yours, that hopeful nature, that serenity and dignity that so defined you."
"I touched you, tried to detect your scent, caressed every bone in your body. I looked at 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 come back home. You've returned to your relatives' care, to all your close associates, and to the countless people whose feelings your story affected."
Parental Resilience
In the early part of the service, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on supporting his smaller offspring. He gently touched the locks of his female children, supported his male child, demonstrated love and gathered his emotions for them. But then his voice broke.
Cherished Memories
"I will yearn for so much exploring alongside you through this land, feeling you, listening to your compositions, resting on elevated terrain and lighting the burner to prepare the beverage the way only you understood – 'Dad, do you see the coffee froth? You have to boil it gently, let the lather develop, then simmer it additionally. Agitate the liquid with spinning actions' – and then your expression while tasting the beverage and your pleasure in every particular taste."
"Before I left Abu Kabir today, I kept my promise. I gazed upon you, absorbed your presence one last time, and yes, I bestowed affection on the brow. I was able to see your handsomeness even in the condition in which you returned to us."
Final Words
"Beloved child, I care for you deeply, I love you. I will long for you every second and tiny segment of my existence. Be at ease, my dear child, relax after a passage of two years through worlds unknown to us. I care for you, my beloved son, my treasured initial offspring."
