Minkin Yakov (Jakov) (12 October 1946, Riga – 3 December 1975, Haifa, Israel) – mechanical engineer, military officer.

Even as a child, Yakov Minkin showed remarkable aptitude for learning and a particular interest in applied sciences. He studied at Riga Primary School No. 9 and then at Evening Secondary School No. 25. He was fond of sports, especially swimming, and devoted a lot of time to literature and cinema. In 1967, he graduated from the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Riga Polytechnic Institute. From 1971, he lived with his family in Haifa, Israel, where he began working in the military industry. From 1972, he served in the army and died while performing his duties in an artillery regiment, where he distinguished himself as an excellent soldier.