Thousands of mourners gathered on Monday in Ra’anana, a city located 13 miles north of Tel Aviv, to pay their respects to 26-year-old musician and sound technician Guy Illouz. In the end, his funeral turned to an emotional celebration of the man’s life. They came to pay tribute to a young life suddenly and tragically lost during the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, when Illouz was shot in the back at point-blank range while attending the Nova music festival.
Tzvia Illouz Guy’s body was kept in Gaza for close to two years. Ultimately, it was repatriated to his family. Personal connections made during the emotional toll of the DECADES-long absence were easy to spot as mourners lined up to pay their respects. His father, Michel Illouz, drove straight to the Abu Kabir forensic institute. There, he was able to see his son’s body and say his final goodbye.
Hours before his death, Illouz placed a last, panic-stricken call to his father. He called from his shelter as the attack unfolded, searching for solace in that shattering instant. He told her that he loved her in what would be their last phone call. His touching goodbye highlighted the deep void that his death has left for his loved ones and the surrounding community.
Mourners packed the cemetery in Ra’anana, a testament to the many deep connections Illouz had cultivated over his life. His dad, Michel, opened up the invitation to anyone who wanted to come, urging members of the public to help the family mourn. When he described his son, the emotion was palpable. He created an unforgettable image of that lad whose beaming smile across the world gave off hope, peace, and dignity.
“I’ve been left hollow since that senseless shooting by those evil terrorists when they caught you and told you to turn around, and then simply fired two unnecessary shots into your back.” – Michel Illouz
The coronation drew a family, friends, and Bloomington community members for the funeral service. Far more than I expected turned out to the vigil to offer heartfelt condolences and words of support. Illouz’s younger sisters and brother spoke at the wedding. They had experienced shiva, the customary week-long mourning period, upon receiving news of his death last December.
Michelle, a family friend, reflected on her experiences with the audience.
“It warms my heart that you came,” – Michelle
These outpourings of love and appreciation expressed a deep grief and deep admiration for — and emulation of — Illouz’s incredible spirit. His passion for music was widely lauded by new attendees. He pursued a portfolio of personal and artistic projects that contributed to his being a sculptor who shaped sonorous spaces.
The tragic circumstances under which Illouz met her untimely death were the center stage of the memorial service. His story struck a chord with everyone who was there. Yet the attack on the Nova concert not only took his life, it broke thousands of others in the process. Illouz’s legacy as a musician will forever beat on through the melodies he sang and the people he inspired.
As their friends and family departed the cemetery, their grief was palpable. With memories of a charismatic teenage boy whose future had been suddenly and cruelly cut short. The meeting was much more than a goodbye. It was a beautiful and moving reminder that, especially during times of tragedy, community is absolutely essential.