Biography

Zbarskyi Yakov Davydovych was born on May 12, 1922, in the city of Berdychiv, Zhytomyr region, into an educated family of Jewish origin. From childhood, he was known for his curiosity and diligence. He loved reading, especially history books, and often helped his father in small household repairs. Friends remembered him as cheerful and kind, always ready to lend a hand.

After finishing school, Yakov began working as an apprentice in a local workshop, where he showed talent for carpentry and mechanics.
He dreamed of continuing his education, but the outbreak of war in 1941 changed everything. When the German occupation reached Berdychiv, the family faced persecution.
In April 1943, Yakov was arrested and convoyed to a construction camp for road works on the Durchgangsstrasse IV (DG IV) highway (the most important strategic road at that time in the Zhytomyr region).
His young wife, Hanna, who was pregnant at the time, was taken with him. During the transport, local villagers helped her escape. She managed to reach safety and later evacuated to Uzbekistan, where she gave birth to their son. Yakov, however, remained in captivity and perished in the camp that same year.

Yakov’s short life was marked by resilience, kindness, and a love of learning. Though he never saw his child, his memory lived on through his family. He is remembered as a devoted husband and a man of integrity whose life was cut short by war.