Among those pierced by Cossack bullets during the manifestation of February 27, 1861, were several Jews.

The indignation which this shooting down of defenceless people aroused in Warsaw is generally regarded as the immediate cause of the mutiny.

Rabbi Meisels was a member of the deputation which went to Viceroy Gorchakov to demand satisfaction for the blood that had been spilled.

In the demonstrative funeral procession which followed the coffins of the victims the Jewish clergy, headed by Meisels, marched alongside of the Catholic priesthood.

Many Jews attended the memorial services in the Catholic churches at which fiery patriotic speeches were delivered.