Widow of Fallen Commander Joins Officer Training, Honoring His Legacy

Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Ben Shimon is enrolling in a commanders' course, following in the footsteps of her late husband, Lieutenant Colonel Dor Ben Shimon, who was killed in action in Lebanon. Dor, known as 'Dovash,' commanded the Armored Corps' 52nd Battalion and was killed by an explosive drone along with three crew members while leading his unit during operations in southern Lebanon. He had recently returned to command the battalion after completing studies at the IDF's Command and Staff College, a role that allowed him to be more present with their two young daughters, Ayala, 3, and Gaia, 1.5.

Ariel, herself a decorated officer, had encouraged Dor to extend his service, pushing him to become a battalion commander. "Just a little longer, you'll be a battalion commander," she had urged him. Dor had initially planned to leave the military for a career in informal education, seeking a quieter life. However, he ultimately embraced his role as commander, leading the battalion for two months in Lebanon, including crossing the Litani River, before his death.

The couple, who met in the army eight years prior, shared a deep professional and personal bond, often competing playfully over promotions. Ariel, who served as deputy commander of a reconnaissance battalion, is now raising their daughters alone. Despite her grief, she is committed to continuing their shared military path, stating, "I know he would have been proud of me. He would have told me, go for it, achieve yourself."

Dor Ben Shimon grew up in Kibbutz Beit Hashita and was one of six siblings, all of whom served as combat soldiers. His mother recalled their dark humor about the possibility of not returning from battle, a sentiment echoed in a WhatsApp group Dor belonged to, humorously named "Soon We Will Become a Grove," referencing the kibbutz tradition of planting groves in memory of fallen members. Ariel has chosen a scenic overlook on the kibbutz for Dor's memorial grove, a place significant to their relationship.

Ariel recounted the difficult moment she received the news of Dor's death in the middle of the night and the subsequent challenge of explaining his death to their young daughters. She is determined to ensure they know their father, whom she described as a "commander who is a man of the people."