Herzl Yankl Tsam

Herzl Yankel Zam (Russian: Герцель Янкелевич Цам; * 1835 in Goringrad, Volyn Governorate, † 1915 in Tomsk ) was a Jewish cantonist in the Russian Empire. Zam was apparently the only Jewish officer in the Tsarist army of the 19th century, who had a high rank in accordance with a colonel.

Recruited as a 17 -year-old cantonist, Zam served in Tomsk in Siberia. Zam was in 1873 promoted to officer ( his comrades testified in the transport request its qualities ); after 41 years of service, he retired with the rank and pension of a colonel ( подполковник ). The promotion was approved on the day of his retirement so that he was given a corresponding retirement money, but he could no longer serve as a colonel. As a capable commander and administrator, he transformed one of the worst companies to one of the best. Despite pressure from the outside, he never converted to the state religion of the Russian Orthodox Christianity.

After retiring from the military Zam actively participated in the life of his Jewish community in Tomsk part.