Shilo, Dimitri

Ben Valentina and Ivan, brother Vicky. Born on April 20, 1974 in Kiev, Ukraine, where he grew up and was educated. Dima successfully completed 11 years of study and then began his studies at the University of Kiev, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering. Dima liked to read, sometimes until the wee hours of the night. He also loved listening to trans music and especially rock. He had musical talent, played the piano and played guitar. In April 1996 he immigrated to Israel with his parents, and the three joined his sister and family in Ofakim. Dima studied for two months at a studio in Kibbutz Be’eri in the Negev, where he lived with his peers as part of a special program for new immigrants. He then returned to live with his parents in Ofakim. After a few months he was admitted to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Be’er Sheva, as a guide at the university’s laboratories. A few years later he completed his master’s degree in materials engineering. In October 2000, he enlisted in the IDF as a security guard, and he did basic training in Nitzanim, and during this short period he acquired many friends. In May 2001, Dima received with great excitement the rank of a professional academic officer, which marked the beginning of his career in the military career, which was interrupted before it began. On August 3, 2001, when he fell while carrying out his duties. He was twenty-seven years old when he fell. Dimitri was buried in the military cemetery in Ofakim. Survived by his parents and sister. Lieutenant Colonel Hillel, commander of the unit, writes: “In his work Dimitri dealt with various fields of material engineering, demonstrating a great deal of knowledge and a desire to learn, develop and deepen. Dima was a pleasant man, excellent in character and behavior, with a sense of humor and joy of life. He took great pleasure in his service with us, and we too enjoyed his personality and ability. Dima was on the eve of his departure for the officers’ course and was permanently signed for another three years of service. Dima will be remembered in the unit as a symbol of the spirit of Zionism – the integration of immigrants in Israel and the IDF – and as a model for human love, science and research. “