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The Backpack

Artifacts Unpacked Video Series

How does a father’s backpack tell the story of protecting his family? 

Elek and Livia Brust and their daughter, Eva, survived the Holocaust in hiding. They could not carry much as they set out on their dangerous journey, dressing in layers and taking a backpack as they moved from place to place. 

Many of their extended family members, unable to avoid deportation, were killed in the Holocaust.

About the Artifacts

Artifacts shown in the video were donated to the Museum by Eva Brust Cooper, James Vogel, and Adalbert Feher. Explore the Brust Family Papers and Elek Brust's Backpack.