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So hurry brothers, to defend our homeland. Enlist under her holy colours, show the whole world that, though afflicted by misfortune so long, you still harbour feelings worthy of noble men. May your hearts be warmed by the example of my father Berek, who fought for the whole homeland as a lieutenant colonel in 1794 [...]. If the victorious white eagle spreads its protective wings over Poland [...], then the noble Polish nation, appreciating your sacrifice, will welcome you with a fraternal embrace and permit you to participate in all rights and freedoms.

from the proclamation of Józef Berkowicz on December 21st 1830

The publication tells about the involvement of Jews in the struggle for Poland's independence and their diverse attitudes towards patriotic uprisings. It follows the fate of people taking part in national uprisings and independence activities, includingBerek Joselewicz and his son Józef, Ozeasz Lubliner or rabbis Dow Ber Meisels, Markus Jastrow, and Izaak Kramsztyk. Their biographies are set in the context of relations with the Polish majority and the efforts of the Jewish community to obtain equal rights.

Historical texts are accompanied by extensive illustrative material: engravings, drawings, paintings, and photographs documenting the uprisings, joint independence manifestations or exile, as well as showing their heroes up close.

Among the collected works, a special place is occupied by paintings by Aleksander Lesser, including the iconic work Funeral of the Five Fallen.

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The publication is available also as an e-book

Publication co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage