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As Michel Illouz slowly made his way through the masses beneath the Mediterranean pines and tropical trees at the graveyard in Ra'anana, a city located 13 miles north of Tel Aviv, he showed appreciation to as many attendees as he could.

Earlier he provided an open call to the Israeli public to accompany his loved ones in mourning his 26-year-old son, Guy, whose physical form had been returned from Gaza on Monday.

Overwhelming Response

Countless individuals heeded the call. They filled the roads, processed behind the coffin transport carrying his remains, and arrived at the burial site in such significant numbers that the initial arrangement to hold the service indoors had to be canceled.

Instead, the event was conducted outdoors, set to the sound of birdsong.

Significant Milestone

This marked the initial burial ceremony since the last two dozen captives came back from Gaza, along with seven bodies. Another twenty-one of the fallen captives remain missing, but at the very minimum this family now had a specific place to express sorrow and remember their son, per close acquaintances.

Tragic Story

Guy Illouz, a artist and sound technician, had been shot in the back at the Nova music festival during the Hamas offensive on October 7, 2023. Before the tragedy unfolded, he had reached out to his father from a hiding place to tell him he cared; to say goodbye. He was captured, and per those held with him, he subsequently passed away from his wounds due to medical neglect.

Loved One's Insight

A trusted companion of the Illouz family, Michelle, in her fifth decade, mentioned that it had been crucial to them that individuals came today. The Illouz relatives, including Guy's female relatives and brother, had observed shiva, the week-long period of bereavement, after learning of his death in December of the year before. But now that Guy was at long last back with them, they required "supportive individuals again."

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

Parent's Homage

He addressed his son. "My Guy-shuk," he uttered, using a affectionate nickname, "it's difficult for me to imagine the days ahead without you. They took you from me – they killed you – they kidnapped me and stole my identity and killed my inner being and emotional core."

"I feel empty inside since that pointless violence by those evil terrorists when they apprehended you and commanded you to turn around, and then merely shot two unnecessary shots into your dorsal area."

Last Farewell

"And here I am this morning, driving to Abu Kabir forensic institute to identify you and part ways. They removed the white sheet, and the first thing I noticed was that characteristic grin, that positive outlook, that serenity and dignity that so defined you."

"I reached out, tried to smell you, 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 rejoined our family. You've rejoined your loved ones' arms, to all your friends, and to the countless people whose feelings your experience affected."

Familial Courage

During the initial segment of the service, Illouz had dedicated all his efforts on consoling his smaller offspring. He stroked the hair of his female children, embraced his boy, showed affection and composed himself for them. But then his emotions surfaced.

Treasured Recollections

"I will yearn for so much journeying together through this land, sensing your presence, hearing your music, resting on elevated terrain and igniting the flame to create the drink the way only you understood – 'Father, do you see the coffee foam? You have to simmer it carefully, let the foam rise, then heat it once more. Mix the beverage with circular motions' – and then your smile while sipping the coffee and your delight in every particular taste."

"Prior to my departure Abu Kabir today, I kept my promise. I observed you, inhaled your essence one final moment, and yes, I planted a kiss on the forehead. I was able to see your beauty even in the state in which you were repatriated."

Ultimate Expression

"Beloved child, I adore you completely, I cherish you. I will miss you every instant and tiny segment of my time. Find peace, my dear child, repose after a passage of multiple seasons through unfamiliar realms to us. I hold you dear, my Guy-shuk, my treasured initial offspring."