Overview

• Billy, a three-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, which devastated the community.
• Israeli reservist Aviad Shapira discovered Billy in the rubble of Rafah, Gaza, and cared for her for four days before bringing her back to Israel.
• A microchip scan confirmed Billy's identity, leading to an emotional reunion with her owner, Rachel Dancyg, on April 16, 2025, after 18 months of uncertainty.
• During her captivity, Billy survived in Gaza, but returned disoriented and underweight; her family is now caring for her alongside a replacement dog they had adopted.
• The reunion has been described as a 'miracle' and a rare source of comfort for the Dancyg family, who lost multiple loved ones in the October 7 attack.