Guy Iluz, 26, hid from terrorists in a tree; death announced Dec. 1

The death of Guy Iluz, 26, was announced on December 1 by Mor Metro-West High School in Ra’anana in a Facebook post. No details were provided regarding how he died and when. There was no confirmation from the Israel Defense Forces. This is the story of his capture and its aftermath:

Guy Iluz, 26, was taken by Hamas terrorists on October 7 as they attacked the Supernova desert rave, where they killed some 360 people and took around 40 people as hostages.

Iluz was last in touch with his family at 9 a.m., as he tried to escape with four friends. He called his father, Michel Iluz.

“Dad, Dad, I love you,” said Guy. “I wanted to tell you I love you if something happens to me.”

Michel Iluz told his son not to say goodbye.

Guy, a soundman who works with Israeli musicians Matti Caspi, Shalom Hanoch and others, attempted to flee the terrorists in his white jeep.

Friends in a car behind him were able to escape, but the terrorists shot at Guy’s car, killing his four passengers.

He was able to get out of the car and climb a tree, which is where he was when he last spoke with his family.

His father, Michel, went searching for Guy on the roads and fields near the festival, eventually finding his car, but no sign of him or his body.

Michel Iluz, who owns Tel Aviv’s Hummus Asli restaurant, asked his Arab workers to keep their eye on Arabic television to see if Guy was mentioned anywhere.

On the 11th day, a worker sent Michel a video showing a Hamas gunman announcing Guy’s death.

Michel sent the video to Gal Hirsch, the government point man on missing and kidnapped citizens, who told the Iluz family not to believe the video. Hirsh later told the family that Guy is a hostage in Gaza.