I will always remember Melanie for that event she, Naomi, also of JFREJ, and I put together for the 29th of November in the early 2000s on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Melanie was one of my first introductions to Jews who supported human rights regardless of race, creed or gender, including the rights of Palestinians—no PEPs (Progressive Except Palestine) there.
Working with Melanie on the flyer for the leafleting we planned outside the New York Public Library was an eye-opener—she knew so much about the issue and told it like it was. I couldn’t have written anything more powerfully than she had. So clear-eyed and direct.
She photocopied the flyers at her office right across from the library and about 35 of us stood in the freezing cold leafleting passersby— Leslie’s mother was there too.
Ever since, I’ve carried so much affection and respect for Melanie in my heart. She is much missed.
—Nadia Hijab