Just a note to add my name to the long roster of folks who loved and admired Melanie, and who was honored to have counted her as a friend.
To me, Melanie was a teacher, mentor, inspiration and friend, and it was a privilege to work alongside her in New Jewish Agenda, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, and other projects.
I met her in NJA when I was living in Denver, and I loved debating with her which was strategically a better way to reach American Jews—organizing against racism at home (me) or for a two-state solution in Israel (her). Then at some point I changed my mind, but so did she, so we switched sides! We shared a good laugh at that point!
Being able to work closely with her in JFREJ was not only a pleasure, but, because I had not really been around scholarly thinkers very much, I also learned great deal from her thinking, her writing and her leadership.
I am deeply saddened by her loss and will greatly miss the the humor and insight she brought to every challenge.
—Nan Rubin, JFREJ Founder