Concord‑Carlisle students, community group announce $20,000 grant to back Jewish Student Union and anti‑antisemitism programming

The Concord‑Carlisle Regional School Committee heard Tuesday evening from members of the high school’s Jewish Student Union and from leaders of Concord Carlisle Against Antisemitism (CCAA), who announced $20,000 in grant support for a student‑centered visibility and education initiative.

Adeline “Addie” Wainsock, a junior and JSU member, told the committee the club, which meets Tuesdays at 7:20 a.m., has become a place for Jewish students to connect and to share culture with classmates. “Before the JSU, I felt isolated,” Wainsock said. “Tuesday mornings allow us to bond over shared experiences and allow me to feel connected not only within my school, but also within my religion.”

CCAA steering‑committee members described the grant and how they plan to use it. Tal Rahman, introduced as a Carlisle resident and parent of two CCHS students, said the group applied to the Combined Jewish Philanthropy’s Center for Combating Antisemitism and received a $20,000 award to support the group’s “Love Thy Neighbor” initiative. “This grant is designed to increase Jewish visibility, build allyship, and address antisemitism in Concord and Carlisle,” Rahman said. CCAA said the funding will support visibility campaigns, cultural events, speaker series and student leadership opportunities.

Brian Barber (recorded as a member of CCAA’s steering committee during the meeting) said the organization will partner with the JSU teacher sponsor and students “to provide structure, guidance, and resources,” but emphasized that students will lead programming where possible. “Student‑created and student‑led initiatives are the most lasting and effective,” Barber said.

Superintendent Hunter and committee members praised the student group and the community effort. The superintendent noted related school activities — including a recent French‑language Holocaust film screening and planned bystander training — while CCAA leaders said they are coordinating with the town’s DEI commission and other local partners. Rahman said the group had collected letters of support from local leaders and expected to finalize program budgets once grant funds are received.

Committee members asked about logistics and asked the group to return with details once budgets and timelines are finalized. CCAA leaders said the first step is to receive the funds and then convene a steering process with students, parents and school staff to shape programming.

The presentation concluded with students and parents noting cross‑cultural outreach; JSU members said the club already draws allies from other faiths and student groups and plans events such as a community Shabbat dinner and collaborative learning with other affinity groups.