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When Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the masses beneath the tall evergreens and tropical trees at the cemetery in Ra'anana, a city located 13 miles north of Tel Aviv, he expressed gratitude to as many attendees as he could.

Previously he offered an invitation to the local community to accompany his loved ones in mourning his 26-year-old son, Guy, whose remains had been returned from Gaza on Monday.

Overwhelming Response

Numerous people answered the request. They lined the streets, processed behind the coffin transport carrying his mortal coil, and converged on the memorial grounds in such significant numbers that the initial arrangement to hold the service indoors had to be abandoned.

Rather, the gathering was held outdoors, accompanied by the chorus of avian melodies.

Significant Milestone

This represented the initial burial ceremony since the remaining 20 living hostages came back from Gaza, together with multiple remains. A further twenty-one of the deceased hostages are still unaccounted for, but at the very minimum this household now had a particular spot to grieve and remember their son, according to close acquaintances.

Sorrowful Account

Guy Illouz, a musician and recording specialist, had been targeted in his posterior at the Nova concert event during the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023. Before the tragedy unfolded, he had contacted his father from a concealed location to express his love; to offer final words. He was seized, and based on those captured simultaneously, he later died from his injuries due to inadequate care.

Relative's Viewpoint

A close acquaintance of the Illouz household, Michelle, aged 50, stated that it had been extremely important to them that the public gathered today. The Illouz relatives, comprising Guy's two younger sisters and male sibling, had undertaken the traditional grieving process, the seven-day period of mourning, after being informed of his passing in December of the year before. But now that Guy was finally back with them, they needed "supportive individuals again."

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

Dad's Eulogy

He spoke to his son. "My dear Guy," he expressed, using a affectionate nickname, "it's challenging for me to envision the future without you. They snatched you from me – they killed you – they stole my being and robbed my persona and killed my inner being and feelings."

"I've been left hollow since that senseless shooting by those malicious militants when they apprehended you and instructed you to turn around, and then simply fired two unnecessary shots into your dorsal area."

Ultimate Parting

"Thus I stood this morning, traveling to Abu Kabir medical examiner's office to identify you and say goodbye. They took off the covering, and the first thing I observed was that familiar expression, that hopeful nature, that calm demeanor and nobility that so exemplified you."

"I reached out, tried to sense your aroma, tenderly touched all areas in your body. I looked at you, I was alone with you, and yes, I felt with absolute certainty that it was you. Yes, I know, Guy-shuk, that you've returned to us. You've returned to your loved ones' arms, to all your companions, and to the countless people whose emotions your story touched."

Parental Resilience

In the early part of the memorial, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on consoling his younger children. He tenderly caressed the strands of his girls, supported his male child, kissed his neck and gathered his emotions for them. But then his feelings emerged.

Cherished Memories

"I will long for so much journeying together through this country, feeling you, hearing your music, sitting in the hills and igniting the flame to create the drink the way only you mastered – 'Papa, do you see the coffee foam? You have to simmer it carefully, let the foam rise, then simmer it additionally. Mix the beverage with circular motions' – and then your expression while sipping the coffee and your delight in every particular taste."

"Earlier than my exit Abu Kabir today, I kept my promise. I observed you, breathed you in one ultimate occasion, and yes, I planted a kiss on the front of your head. I was able to see your handsomeness even in the situation in which you returned to us."

Closing Statement

"My dear son, I love you so much, I love you. I will long for you every moment and tiny segment of my life. Rest now, my dear child, repose after a journey of two years through unfamiliar realms to us. I love you, my beloved son, my beloved firstborn son."