Widow of Fallen Battalion Commander Posts Emotional Tribute After Lebanon Death

Ariel, the wife of Dor Ben Shimhon, the commander of Battalion 52 who was killed in Lebanon with his tank crew, posted a long and emotional tribute after his death. She described how they met eight years ago during military training, when he came to brief her class after a car accident he had been involved in, and said she immediately thought, “Oh. Here he is.”

In the post, she recounted their relationship, saying he initially teased her and then pursued her, and that they quickly knew they were right for each other. She wrote about their engagement in the kibbutz with the “most beautiful view” he loved, and about the life they built together, including “7 years of the most beautiful years of my life,” two daughters, and the family they raised.

Ariel praised him as a commander who cared about people and mission alike, and said his dedication and judgment served the country well. She noted that he sometimes had doubts and consulted others, but that soldiers and commanders still fell in love with him. She also said she was proud to call herself “the wife of D.B.S.” and that he was the commander she would wish for all IDF soldiers “at this time.”

She promised to stay strong and said their daughters would know him, adding that their older daughter Ayala had already asked for him to come back and that their younger daughter Gaia had missed having enough time with him. Ariel closed by quoting her wedding vow, “Dor, I do not only want you in my life, I need you in my life,” and ended with the line, “For the last time, beloved commander, here is beloved commander. I love you and will love you forever. End.”