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When Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the crowds beneath the cypress trees and palm trees at the cemetery in Ra'anana, a city located approximately 20 kilometers north of Tel Aviv, he thanked people to numerous participants as he could.

He had extended an welcoming message to the local community to join his family in mourning his young adult son, Guy, whose remains had been brought back from Gaza on Monday.

Massive Turnout

Countless individuals heeded the call. They lined the streets, accompanied the funeral vehicle carrying his remains, and gathered at the burial site in such significant numbers that the original plan to conduct the ceremony indoors had to be canceled.

As an alternative, the event was held outdoors, accompanied by the sound of singing birds.

Significant Milestone

This marked the first funeral since the last two dozen captives were released from Gaza, along with multiple remains. Another twenty-one of the deceased hostages are still unaccounted for, but at least this family now had a specific place to express sorrow and remember their son, per companions.

Sorrowful Account

Guy Illouz, a performer and recording specialist, had been targeted in his posterior at the Nova concert event during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Prior to the incident, he had reached out to his father from a concealed location to tell him he cared; to offer final words. He was seized, and based on those held with him, he eventually succumbed from his injuries due to lack of treatment.

Loved One's Insight

A trusted companion of the Illouz relatives, Michelle, fifty years old, stated that it had been vitally significant to them that individuals came today. The Illouz household, encompassing Guy's siblings and male sibling, had observed shiva, the week-long period of mourning, after learning of his demise in December of the previous year. But now that Guy was ultimately back with them, they desired "people around them again."

"My spirit is uplifted that you attended," expressed Michel. "Your presence is deeply appreciated."

Parent's Homage

He addressed his son. "Beloved Guy," he said, using a term of endearment, "it's challenging for me to imagine the time to come without you. They grabbed you from me – they murdered you – they captured my essence and robbed my persona and destroyed my spirit and feelings."

"There's a void within me since that pointless violence by those evil terrorists when they caught you and instructed you to turn around, and then simply fired two unnecessary shots into your back."

Final Goodbye

"And here I am this morning, driving to Abu Kabir forensic institute to identify you and say goodbye. They removed the white sheet, and the first thing I observed was that familiar expression, that positive outlook, that peaceful presence and nobility that so characterized you."

"I touched you, tried to smell you, gently felt each part in your body. I saw you, I was by myself with you, and yes, I felt with absolute certainty that it was you. Yes, I know, Guy-shuk, that you've come back home. You've come back to your family's embrace, to all your close associates, and to the numerous individuals whose feelings your experience touched."

Familial Courage

During the beginning phase of the memorial, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on supporting his younger children. He stroked the hair of his female children, embraced his boy, demonstrated love and gathered his emotions for them. But then his voice broke.

Cherished Memories

"I will long for so much exploring alongside you through this nation, feeling you, enjoying your artistic creations, resting on elevated terrain and igniting the flame to create the drink the way only you mastered – 'Dad, do you see the coffee foam? You have to simmer it carefully, let the lather develop, then boil it again. Stir the coffee with circular motions' – and then your smile while tasting the beverage and your delight in every particular taste."

"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I fulfilled my commitment. I looked at you, breathed you in one ultimate occasion, and yes, I bestowed affection on the forehead. I was could perceive your beauty even in the state in which you returned to us."

Ultimate Expression

"My Guy-shuk, I love you so much, I cherish you. I will yearn for you every moment and tiny segment of my existence. Rest now, my dear child, repose after a journey of multiple seasons through unexplored dimensions to us. I care for you, my beloved son, my treasured initial offspring."