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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brian Farber, Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism
Email: info@concordagainstantisemitism.org

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CONCORD, MA – (October 29, 2025) – The Combined Jewish Philanthropies’ (CJP) Center for Combating Antisemitism has awarded a $20,000 grant to Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism (CCAA) to implement CCAA’s L✡ve Thy Neighbor initiative, a project to increase Jewish visibility, build community allyship, and address antisemitism in the Concord and Carlisle communities. Read the CJP announcement here.

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The project includes educational collaboration with local schools, civic and religious leadership, cultural celebrations, speaker series, community conversations, and resources for active allies. Student-led efforts are central to this work, creating opportunities for Jewish students to share their experiences and for all students to build a more inclusive school environment.

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“The L✡ve Thy Neighbor project doesn’t belong to just one group, it belongs to all of us in Concord and Carlisle, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, for our kids and families, for visitors to our towns, and for our shared futures,” said Brian Farber, Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism. “We’re deeply grateful to CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism for being the enabler that puts our mission into motion.”

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“Collaboration and community building are imperative to preventing and addressing antisemitism. In a moment where Massachusetts' Jewish community is feeling vulnerable on both a local and global level, enabling meaningful, bridge-building connections at the community level is more important than ever,” shared Melissa Garlick, Associate Vice President, CJP's Center for Combating Antisemitism. “After October 7, 2023, we saw more community members, leaders, and hyperlocal grassroots groups step up to ensure that local communities advance values of safety, inclusion, and understanding.”

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“Combating antisemitism and all forms of hate requires cultural change, and Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism is the kind of group capable of leading that transformation,” said State Representative Simon Cataldo (14th Middlesex). CCAA’s work has already made a meaningful impact in our community, and I'm excited to see its efforts and reach grow with CJP’s grant funding.”

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“We are grateful for this grant for Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism and look forward to continuing to work together to create a world that truly reflects our shared values. Yasher koach to all who made this grant possible,” said Rabbi Darby Leigh, Kerem Shalom in Concord.

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“I'm thrilled to see the combined efforts of so many in our communities rewarded with this grant,” stated Dr. Laurie Hunter, Superintendent of Concord-Carlisle Regional School District. “This will enhance our ongoing equity and inclusion efforts and our goals to address antisemitism and all forms of hate and bigotry. CCAA's emphasis on student-led programming will be a powerful element of this initiative, and I look forward to working with students and community members to ensure this important work is amplified and continuous.”

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“The Concord Select Board is honored to support the L✡ve Thy Neighbor project and the important work of Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism. This effort reflects our ongoing commitment to building a community where every person feels seen, valued, and safe. We deeply appreciate the residents and volunteers whose dedication continues to strengthen the bonds of respect and unity in both Concord and Carlisle. May we all use these resources to learn and grow together,” added Mark Howell, Select Board Chair, Town of Concord.

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“On behalf of the Carlisle Select Board, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism for receiving the CJP grant. This recognition is a testament to CCAA's commitment to confronting antisemitism and fostering a more inclusive community. We are proud to support CCAA's leadership in creating spaces of empathy, dialogue, and shared accountability across Concord and Carlisle,” added Scott Triola, Chair, Carlisle Select Board.

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“Kerem Shalom chose its name because the Vineyard of Peace echoes the meaning of Concord's name, agreement and harmony. Both our synagogue and our town are rooted in the same biblical call: love thy neighbor,” said Miriam Zarchan, co-chair of Kerem Shalom's Antisemitism Awareness team. “CCAA has the brain, heart, and muscle to help make Concord a better town for all its residents.”

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“The Town of Concord is proud to support and serve as fiscal sponsor for CCAA’s community-led initiative advancing education, understanding, and allyship across both Concord and Carlisle,” said Kerry Lafleur, Town Manager, Town of Concord. “We applaud Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism for fostering a more inclusive, compassionate, and connected community.”

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About Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism
CCAA formed in response to antisemitic incidents in our schools and our communities. We are a volunteer, community-led initiative working to confront antisemitism through accountability, education, visibility, and allyship. We are residents of Concord, Carlisle, and neighboring towns—Jewish and non-Jewish—united in our commitment to building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate community. As parents, students, neighbors, and allies, we stand together to ensure that Concord and Carlisle are places where Jewish families feel safe, seen, and supported.

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About Combined Jewish Philanthropies
Founded in 1895, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) is Greater Boston's Jewish Federation and was created with the purpose of building vibrant Jewish communities and igniting positive change at home, in Israel, and around the world. As a philanthropic organization driven by Jewish values, learning, and culture, CJP mobilizes communal philanthropy and provides grants, builds partnerships, and brings Greater Boston’s diverse Jewish community together. For more information, please visit www.cjp.org.  

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About CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism
CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism (CCA) was established in 2024 as historic levels of antisemitism incidents were recorded across Massachusetts and nationally. CCA’s mission is to mobilize and unify efforts in Greater Boston that educate, confront, and prevent antisemitism. We convene partners and build relationships with key decision-makers, in addition to bringing outcome-driven, evidence-based strategies and interventions to Greater Boston. CCA staff and volunteers work to help ensure that the Greater Boston community is empowered to act against antisemitism with effective resources, tools, and education.

Join CCAA on Facebook and visit Concord-Carlisle Against Antisemitism to subscribe to our mailing list to stay informed, sign up to volunteer, or share your ideas for building a stronger community. 

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