The Jewish chaplain delivered aid to Ukrainian paratroopers on the eastern front.

Chaplain of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine Yakov Sinyakov visited Ukrainian paratroopers on the eastern front, delivered aid, and conducted a prayer.

A Visit That Was Awaited

On one of the sections of the eastern front, Ukrainian defenders were visited, as reported on September 16, 2025, by the website of the United Jewish Community of Ukraine, by Jewish chaplain Yakov Sinyakov, a representative of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine. He did not come empty-handed: essential items, food, and equipment were delivered to the paratroopers. But the most valuable was the attention and support.

What the Chaplain Brought

According to the military, the aid included:

• protective gear and household items;
• food and water;
• warm clothing and medicines.

Such visits are important not only because of material resources. They show that the fighters are not left alone, that they are remembered both in the rear and in religious communities.

Prayer and Words of Hope

After delivering the aid, Yakov Sinyakov conducted a short prayer with the servicemen.
The soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, many holding small amulets and symbols of faith.

“Prayer on the front sounds special. It becomes not a formality, but a true breath of hope,” noted one of the meeting participants.

Moral Support

For the fighters who have been on the front line for weeks, communication with the chaplain became a moment of internal relief. He spoke with them about resilience, faith, and unity. These words, according to the paratroopers themselves, give them the strength to continue the fight.

Important Context

Jewish communities in Ukraine have been actively helping the army and civilians since the first days of the war. The Federation of Communities purchases equipment, medicines, and finances humanitarian projects. Chaplains’ visits are part of this work, where spiritual support goes hand in hand with practical help.

Yakov Pinchasovich Sinyakov — Jewish Chaplain of Ukraine

Yakov Sinyakov is a Jewish chaplain of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine. In addition to spiritual service, he is also a professional psychologist and volunteer. His work on the front includes not only delivering humanitarian aid but also what is often more valuable to soldiers — words of support and personal presence.

He is connected with the Jewish community of Dnipro, where he is known as a spiritual mentor and coordinator of humanitarian initiatives. It was here that he began actively engaging in volunteer and chaplaincy work, which gradually acquired a nationwide scale.

Dates and Key Stages of Service

• 2022 — from the first months of the full-scale war, he began actively working as a chaplain and volunteer: traveling to the front, delivering aid, conducting prayers.
• 2023 — continued regular visits to the front line, his work became known in many Jewish communities in Ukraine.
• November–December 2024 — awarded the medal “For the Defense of Ukraine” by the President’s decree and received gratitude from the Military Chaplaincy Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
• 2024 — also awarded the “Defender of the Fatherland” medal in Dnipro for active assistance to Ukrainian military personnel.
• 2025 — continues trips to the eastern front, delivers humanitarian cargo to Ukrainian paratroopers, conducts prayers and spiritual conversations in the combat zone.

Role in the Chaplaincy Institute

The chaplaincy institute in Ukraine was officially recognized by the state as an important element of the military structure. Chaplains of different denominations serve alongside soldiers, providing spiritual guidance and psychological support. Yakov Sinyakov became one of those who showed that a chaplain is not only a clergyman but also a friend, mentor, and volunteer ready to share all the hardships of war with the military.

Why This Is Important Today

1. Support for Fighters. In conditions of continuous fighting, any attention from outside is perceived as a sign that the country and communities have not forgotten the front-line soldiers.
2. Interfaith Significance. People of different nationalities and religions serve in the Ukrainian army, and the visit of a Jewish chaplain emphasizes unity.
3. Symbolism. The figure of a chaplain on the front reminds us that spirituality and faith remain a support even where the fiercest war is taking place.

Israeli Perspective

For Israelis, this news has a special resonance. Many families of Ukrainian origin serve in the Israel Defense Forces, know the value of chaplaincy support, and understand how important it is for the soldiers’ morale.

NAnews — News of Israel notes: Yakov Sinyakov’s visit is not only assistance to a specific unit but also an example of how Jewish communities continue to be part of the Ukrainian resistance.

The story of the Jewish chaplain’s visit to the eastern front is a reminder that war is measured not only by battles and reports. It is also measured by human attention, the ability to come and say: “We are here.”

For Ukrainian paratroopers, this became a source of strength. For the Jewish community, it was confirmation that their voice resonates with the voice of the country.