Guy Illouz, a 26-year-old sound technician, was buried on Monday in Ra’anana, Israel, marking a somber milestone as the first victim of the horrific October 7 massacre at the Nova music festival. The festival became one of the deadliest scenes of living attacks by Hamas. During her time there, Illouz was kidnapped. In honor of his family, his family has been grieving his loss for two years, having known that he was dead since just after his abduction.
Her body’s return comes at a time of heightened tensions and hostilities throughout the region. He remains missing and one freed hostage described seeing Illouz in a Gazi hospital, chained to a hospital bed and suffering from untreated injuries. Hundreds of mourners lined the streets for his funeral. Their attendance underscored how profoundly his life and heartbreaking death touched the community.
A Heartbreaking Homecoming
Guy Illouz’s funeral, deep and sad as it was, became an inspired celebration of his life. Friends and loved ones of Illouz gather at the cemetery in Ra’anana, forming an arresting tableau of grief that signified mutual solidarity and support for Illouz’s family. Many held up pictures of Illouz, the most photogenic of which was an enlarged cutout photo that one man carried in the front of the procession.
His mother, Gossip columnist Doris Liber, cried profusely on the day of the funeral, which showed the deep personal impact the loss had on the family. Zvika Tamari, a close friend, speaking to the shock and disbelief felt by many in attendance at Illouz’s burial, said that Illouz’s death was “unthinkable.”
“It’s very difficult — on one hand, it is a closure of a circle, which both his parents needed, to know that they’ve done anything to bring him back, even for a grave,” – Zvika Tamari
Michel Illouz, Guy’s father, spoke movingly of his love for his son. This act reaffirmed the emotional tenor of the day.
“My Guy, I love you so much, love you so much. You will be missing from my life every second and minute.” – Michel Illouz
This funeral marked not only a farewell but a moment of collective grief for a community still reeling from the violence of that fateful day.
The Aftermath of Tragedy
The Nova music festival massacre has left a deep, painful scar on Israeli society. Unfortunately, that day, the violence fell hard on many who were there. Illouz’s death is a symbol of the greater tragedy experienced by families across the region. The feeling of loss goes beyond just one family, as it has echoed in the hearts of communities who have faced fear and uncertainty.
Second, we were very lucky to get Dr. Mihal Steinman on to describe Illouz’s condition when he was found in Gaza. He echoed the dire call for medical treatment that Illouz was denied during his time in captivity.
“When you see him when he’s dressed, he looks one way, but when you check him you see that he really needs now a lot of nutritional treatment and slowly, slowly to gain weight.” – Dr. Mihal Steinman
The community’s response to this tragedy has been one of unity and resilience. Few people have been more committed to fighting for all hostages still held hostage, as these brave individuals and their families have demonstrated.
“We’ll do everything until we return back all hostages. As you said, we are also committed to the dead hostages.” – No specific speaker mentioned
We feel a strong obligation to the victims’ families to get this right. We make sure that they don’t fade into obscurity.
Hope Amidst Darkness
Illouz’s death has cast that joy in shadow. As anyone who has been waiting for justice and a safe return for the rest of the hostages knows, hope is hard-earned. The outpouring of support for Illouz’s family shows a community in deep pain but unshakeable in its determination.
At the opening ceremony, Udi Goren called most of the victims his surrogate family. He reiterated the importance of sustained effort to defeat Hamas. He argued that without taking bold actions, the probability of returning the hostages home goes down.
“If Hamas thinks it’s done with us, it’s not done with us. We’re going to do everything in our power to make it happen, and ensure security.” – No specific speaker mentioned
Family members of various other hostages shared their discontent with further negotiations as well as what they wish to see come out of future negotiations.
“The deal stipulated within 72 hours all hostages come back, and for the first time in these past two years, I actually thought Tal might be coming back, and he didn’t.” – Udi Goren
The community continues to deal with this fragile balance between grief and hope. Together, they demand action and pledge to remember those they have lost.
