My object is a Menorah from the early 1900s that belonged to my great grandmother. Her father, mother and brother were living in Russia and were facing persecution and injustice because they were Jewish. Around this time period anti-Jewish pogroms were breaking out, leaving thousands of Jews murdered or wounded.  The father was murdered in a pogrom and his wife and son witnessed it. The Durst family knew they had to escape or they would face these consequences. At around 1918 they immigrated to New York, New York where they sought religious freedom and opportunity. The menorah is now in my possession and represents my family lineage. Although I do not practice the Jewish religion I still realize that it is part of my heritage. The menorah serves as a symbol for hope and freedom to me. 

– Cole Funk

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant