As murdered exchange student Aya Maasarwe makes her final journey to Israel, thousands are expected to gather to welcome her home.
Relatives boarded a flight out of Melbourne on Tuesday and say they left Australia with more than just bad memories.
Saeed Maasarwe recieves a hug from a mourner at the vigil held at the site where the body of his daughter was found in Bundoora. Source: AAP
A companion of her father Saeed Maasarwe told reporters that a selection of items left in tribute to Aya will be taken to the family's home at Baka al-Gharbiyye, an hour north of Tel Aviv, with plans to use them as part of a shrine.
He told reporters up to 20,000 people were expected to gather in her home town upon her arrival.
The body of Ms Maasarwe, a Palestinian Arab of Israeli citizenship, will be buried in line with her Muslim faith after a funeral in Israel on Wednesday.
Aya Maasarwe's body will be returned to Israel shortly. Source: Supplied
Mr Maasarwe visited the spot at the northern suburb of Bundoora where his daughter was found last Wednesday morning.
The night before Ms Maasarwe had alighted a tram and was walking home after visiting a city comedy club.
Aiia Maasarwe was attacked shortly after she disembarked the 86 tram on her way home from a comedy night in North Melbourne. Source: Instagram
As she made her final journey, a small vigil was held on Tuesday night near where Ms Maasarwe was murdered, with plans to plant a memorial tree and unveil a plaque at the site.
