Berek Joselewicz Polish officer, rebel and participant in the Napoleonic Wars Date of Birth: 17.09.1764 Country: Poland

1. Bereke Joselewicz: The Jewish Cavalry Commander
2. Warsaw and the Jewish Cavalry
3. Exile and Napoleonic Campaigns
4. Return to Poland and Death
5. Legacy and Honors

Bereke Joselewicz: The Jewish Cavalry Commander

Bereke Joselewicz, a Polish officer, rebel, and participant in the Napoleonic Wars, holds a significant place in history as the commander of the first modern Jewish military unit in the Polish army. As a merchant, he often served as an emissary abroad for the Vilnius bishop Masalski.

Warsaw and the Jewish Cavalry

From 1788, Joselewicz resided in Warsaw, where he became a horse supplier for the Polish army. Shortly before the Siege of Warsaw by Alexander Suvorov's army, insurrection leader Tadeusz Kosciuszko, upon the request of Joselewicz and his comrade Joseph Aronowicz, authorized the creation of a Jewish light cavalry regiment (approximately 500 men) and promoted Joselewicz to colonel. However, most of Joselewicz's Jewish cavalry perished during the defense of Praga, a suburb of Warsaw.

Exile and Napoleonic Campaigns

Following the suppression of the uprising, Joselewicz fled to Galicia and later to Italy, where he joined Polish legions. He participated in several of Napoleon's campaigns, becoming a captain in the Hanoverian Dragoon Regiment in 1803.

Return to Poland and Death

With the establishment of the Duchy of Warsaw in 1807, Joselewicz joined its army and was promoted to colonel once more. He tragically met his demise during a skirmish near Kock in the war with Austria.

Legacy and Honors

Joselewicz's bravery earned him the Cross of the Legion of Honour and the Order of Military Virtue. His son, Joseph Berkowicz, also served as a Polish officer. In Poland, Joselewicz is revered as a symbol of Jewish heroism in the fight for Polish independence. The phrase "like Bereke at Kock" has become a popular expression denoting a hopeless situation.