May 14, 1977. It was a foggy day. The Syrian Arab Deterrent Force was position in Bshiri, more specifically in the villages of Kanat and Billa. A certain Militia member encouraged some young men to join the battle of Billa. Even though Joseph was not at all trained to hold a weapon and was never involved with any militia, he went along and he conformed. First, they were sent to the village of Kanat and then to Billa where they were ambushed by the Syrians who took advantage of the bad weather conditions along with having previous knowledge of the area, which none of the young men ever did. They were kidnapped right then and there and were transferred to an unknown location.