- March 25, 2025
- 6:51 pm
- Ukraine
The first official rabbi of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, David Milman, shared in an interview a unique detail about the Brodsky Synagogue in Kyiv — the personal seat of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This seat is located in the front row, on the right near the aisle, and is reserved for the head of state. However, if the president is not present, anyone may sit there.
“When the owner is absent, anyone can sit here,” the rabbi explained.
How the synagogue in Kyiv functions during the war
Despite shelling and war, the Jewish community in Kyiv remains active. Prayer services are held three times a day, with 20 to 30 people attending each time. The synagogue serves not only a religious but also a psychological role for its members.
At the same time, a large portion of the community has fled abroad. Many have relocated to Israel, the USA, and Europe, yet the spiritual connection to Kyiv remains strong.
Rabbi David Milman: who he is and why it matters
David Milman is the first official rabbi of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. His appointment was made possible after reforms in the chaplain service and the adoption of the law on military chaplaincy in 2021. He represents the Jewish faith and offers spiritual support to Jewish soldiers on the frontline.
Before the war, he served in the Kyiv Jewish community. Since the Russian invasion, he has been accompanying soldiers, conducting prayers, participating in humanitarian missions, and supporting families of service members.
His mission is to be with the soldiers where it is difficult, frightening, and where faith is needed most.
What is the Military Chaplaincy Institute in Ukraine
Since January 1, 2022, Ukraine has officially operated a Military Chaplaincy Institute. Chaplains are given the status of military personnel but do not carry weapons. Their mission is spiritual care, moral support, and performing religious rites.
The chaplain corps includes representatives from various faiths: Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim, and Jewish. Rabbi Milman is the Jewish representative in this structure.
“Spiritual support is vital for soldiers. It helps not only to survive but to retain their humanity,” says Milman.
Thousands of Jews on the frontline: key facts
According to Rabbi Milman, over 1,000 Jews are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These are both volunteers and mobilized citizens defending the country as Jews and Ukrainians.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Jews in the Armed Forces | Over 1,000 |
| Synagogue attendance | 20–30 people, three times daily |
| Community members relocated abroad | Europe, USA, Israel |
| Zelensky’s seat location | Front row, right side, near aisle |
| Chaplaincy law enacted | January 1, 2022 |
Zelensky and faith: a personal perspective
President Zelensky rarely speaks publicly about his faith. In a 2020 interview, he stated:
“I believe in God. I speak to Him only during moments that are deeply personal and important. And in places where I feel comfortable.”
One such place may be the synagogue in Kyiv — a space of quiet, memory, and continuity.
Why this matters to Jews in Israel
Israel is home to tens of thousands of Ukrainian Jews. This story is about preserving identity, even in war. The president’s seat in the synagogue is a sign of respect for Jewish roots.
Ukraine is a country where a Jew can be president, a soldier, or a rabbi. That matters.
NAnews – Israel News continues to follow these stories
At NAnews – Israel News, we tell the human and spiritual side of the war. Israel and Ukraine are not only allies — they are communities with shared history and pain.
Conclusion: Between prayer and the battlefield
Zelensky’s seat is not a ritual — it’s a living symbol. Soldiers, the synagogue, and the rabbi together form Ukraine’s spiritual front. And that is the strength of Ukraine’s Jewish community.
