We condemn the dismissal of Melanie Goldberg from her position at the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT).

This has not been done on any grounds of performance or conduct, nor because of anything Melanie has said or done as an individual, but simply because of her involvement in Friends of Standing Together Scotland, which has described Israel’s war in Gaza as genocidal, alongside UK Friends of Standing Together and Standing Together in Israel. Melanie’s involvement in Friends of Standing Together was also made known to HMDT since her initial appointment to the role.

At no time has it been suggested that Melanie is representing HMDT in her work with SFoST. This is therefore an attack on her right to free speech and association outside of the workplace.

We call on HMDT to reinstate Melanie to her role, and to support the efforts of movements like Standing Together which work for peace and equality.