An incredible survival story has just emerged from the Gaza rubble: Billy, a three -year -old King Charles Spaniel rider, kidnapped during the attack on October 7, 2023 in Nir Oz, was found alive and will be returned to his family after more than a year and a half of disappearance.
This small miracle occurred when soldiers from the 13th Golani battalion, deployed in the Rafah sector, saw the wandering dog near a military base. “We had just captured the Morag axis to surround Rafah. I saw the charming Billy walk towards me. She ran in my direction and jumped on it, “said Aviad Shapira, the reservist who discovered the animal. It seems that the dog immediately reacted when hearing Hebrew.
Touched by this unexpected meeting, the soldier decided to take care of the dog. “I really fought so that she could stay with me. I kept it with me in Gaza for four days and I took care of it. I then took her home and she spent the Seder evening with my family, “he explained.
The story took an even more unexpected turn when, after having checked the animal’s electronic chip in a veterinary clinic, Aviad discovered that Billy belonged to the Danzig family in Nir Oz, including a member, Alex Danzig, was removed and murdered in Gaza. The army announced its death on July 22, 2024, and its body was repatriated to Israel on August 20. The dog belongs to Alex’s ex-wife, Rachel Danzig.
The reunion of Billy with its owner are scheduled for Wednesday.