Thousands gather in Israel to welcome Aya Maasarwe’s body home

Exchange student Aya Maasarwe is making her final trip home, with family thanking the "good people" of Australia despite their "nightmare" experience.

Aya Maasarwe's body has been farewelled in Melbourne. Source: Instagram, Supplied

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.

Codey Herrmann, 20, has been charged with Ms Maasarwe's rape and murder.

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.