Overview

• Billy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, where many residents, including members of Rachel Dancyg's family, were killed or kidnapped.
• IDF reservist Aviad Shapira discovered Billy in Rafah while serving in Gaza, noting the dog ran toward him after hearing Hebrew being spoken.
• Shapira cared for Billy for four days and brought her to an Israeli vet, where a microchip confirmed her identity as Rachel Dancyg's pet.
• The reunion, which occurred on April 16, 2025, was described by Dancyg's family as a 'miracle from heaven,' bringing a rare moment of joy to a community devastated by loss.
• Billy's rescue underscores the broader efforts of the IDF in Gaza and the emotional significance of reconnecting with what was lost during the attacks.