Widow of Fallen IDF Commander Enters Officer Training Course

Ariel Ben Shimon, widow of Lieutenant Colonel Dor Ben Shimon, who was killed in Lebanon, is set to begin an officers' command course, following in her late husband's footsteps. Dor, known as "Dovash," commanded the Armored Corps' 52nd Battalion and was killed by an explosive drone in southern Lebanon two months after taking command. He had been called to lead the battalion after three previous commanders were injured since October 7th.

Ariel and Dor, both career officers, met in the military and shared a deep professional bond. Ariel, who was a deputy commander of a reconnaissance battalion, recalled a healthy competition between them regarding promotions. "I won most of the time," she said, noting she was a Major when they married while he was a Captain. Dor eventually surpassed her in rank, becoming a Lieutenant Colonel before her.

Dor had initially planned to leave the military for a career in informal education, seeking a more relaxed life and more time with their two young daughters, Ayala (3) and Gaia (1.5). However, Ariel encouraged him to stay, urging him to become a battalion commander. He was reportedly thriving in his role before his death, feeling significant and fully engaged.

Dor, who grew up in Kibbutz Beit Hashita, was one of six siblings, all combat soldiers. The family has a history of loss, with his mother recalling a dark humor about not returning from battle. Dor himself had reportedly joked about where he would want a grove planted in his memory, a common practice for fallen kibbutz members.

Ariel learned of Dor's death in the middle of the night when soldiers arrived at their home. Despite her grief and the challenge of raising their daughters alone, she has decided to pursue the command course. "I know he would have been proud of me," she stated, adding that he would have told her, "Go for it, go achieve yourself."