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While Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the throngs beneath the tall evergreens and date palms at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a urban center located 13 miles north of Tel Aviv, he thanked people to as many attendees as feasible.

Earlier he provided an open call to the nation's citizens to join his family in mourning his 26-year-old son, Guy, whose remains had been returned from Gaza on Monday.

Substantial Gathering

Thousands responded the call. They lined the streets, accompanied the funeral vehicle carrying his mortal coil, and gathered at the memorial grounds in such substantial amounts that the initial arrangement to hold the memorial indoors had to be abandoned.

Rather, the event was held outdoors, set to the melody of singing birds.

Significant Milestone

This signified the opening memorial service since the final two dozen captives were released from Gaza, accompanied by multiple remains. Another twenty-one of the fallen captives are still unaccounted for, but at least this loved ones now had a particular spot to grieve and honor their son, as stated by close acquaintances.

Tragic Story

Guy Illouz, a performer and recording specialist, had been shot in the back at the Nova concert event during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Earlier that morning, he had reached out to his father from a concealed location to tell him he cared; to offer final words. He was seized, and per those held with him, he later died from his injuries due to medical neglect.

Loved One's Insight

A close acquaintance of the Illouz household, Michelle, fifty years old, commented that it had been extremely important to them that the public gathered today. The Illouz household, comprising Guy's female relatives and brother, had observed shiva, the week-long period of grieving, after learning of his passing in December of the year before. But now that Guy was at long last back with them, they required "supportive individuals again."

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

Father's Tribute

He turned to his son. "Beloved Guy," he expressed, using a term of endearment, "it's hard for me to imagine the days ahead without you. They grabbed you from me – they murdered you – they captured my essence and took my sense of self and murdered my soul and heart."

"I feel empty inside since that pointless violence by those evil terrorists when they seized you and told you to turn around, and then simply fired two unnecessary shots into your posterior."

Final Goodbye

"So I found myself this morning, heading toward Abu Kabir forensic institute to identify you and bid farewell. They took off the covering, and the first thing I saw was that smile of yours, that positive outlook, that serenity and dignity that so exemplified you."

"I made contact, tried to sense your aroma, tenderly touched all areas in your body. I observed 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 returned to your loved ones' arms, to all your friends, and to the countless people whose feelings your story touched."

Familial Courage

During the initial segment of the service, Illouz had focused entirely on comforting his junior family members. He tenderly caressed the strands of his girls, supported his male child, showed affection and gathered his emotions for them. But then his voice broke.

Cherished Memories

"I will long for so much exploring alongside you through this country, feeling you, listening to your compositions, resting on elevated terrain and activating the stove to make coffee the way only you mastered – 'Papa, do you see the coffee froth? You have to simmer it carefully, let the bubbles form, then heat it once more. Stir the coffee with circular motions' – and then your expression while sipping the coffee and your delight in every particular taste."

"Before I left Abu Kabir today, I honored my word. I gazed upon you, inhaled your essence one last time, and yes, I planted a kiss on the forehead. I was managed to observe your attractiveness even in the situation in which you came back."

Ultimate Expression

"My dear son, I care for you deeply, I cherish you. I will miss you every instant and tiny segment of my existence. Rest now, my beloved son, relax after a journey of two years through unexplored dimensions to us. I love you, my dear Guy, my treasured initial offspring."