Widow of Fallen Israeli Soldier Hallel Chen Marries Again and Shares Her Journey

Hallel Chen, widow of Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Ziv Chen who was killed in a booby-trapped building explosion in Khan Yunis, Gaza, in February 2024, opened up about her personal journey since her husband's death. At the time she received the tragic news, she was eight weeks pregnant and has since given birth to their son, Ariel.

In a heartfelt interview with Channel 13 News, Chen described the initial fear she felt about allowing herself to be happy again, worried that joy might mean forgetting Ziv. Over time, she realized that continuing to live fully did not diminish her late husband's memory. She later remarried Yehoshua Kronengold, and together they are raising Ariel. Kronengold shared that from early in their relationship, he anticipated the moment he would meet Ariel, and a close bond has since developed between them.

Chen emphasized that Ziv's memory remains a vital part of her life and family. She stated, "He is part of my soul. The more I live, the more I am happy and loving, the more it is about him." She also expressed confidence that Ariel will grow up knowing he is loved by both his biological father, Ziv, and his stepfather, Yehoshua.