The following letter from Rabbi Darby was printed in the September 5, 2025, issue of The Concord Bridge.
Gratitude for town’s response to antisemitic incidents
As the rabbi of the only synagogue in Concord, I am writing — on behalf of myself, our lay leaders, and our members — to express our appreciation for the manner in which elected and appointed town leaders, as well as concerned citizens, have responded to reports of disturbing antisemitic incidents that have occurred at Concord-Carlisle High School and elsewhere in our community.
While we are concerned and upset about these recent hateful incidents, we also note that our town has mobilized to address this deeply concerning problem. Along with members of our congregation, I have had multiple opportunities to meet and speak with key officials and other civic leaders. Those conversations and meetings have made it clear that Concord’s political and civic leaders are committed to addressing these problems in timely, effective, and sustained ways.
We all have a shared commitment to making sure we identify incidents of hate, inform the community, and develop and carry out clear guidelines on what constitutes appropriate responses. It is especially important that we do so now, when students are just returning to school. In addition, we all have a shared commitment to creating educational opportunities that will reduce the likelihood that such incidents will occur in the future.
Sadly, I note that Concord is not alone. Many other cities and towns in Massachusetts (and elsewhere) are dealing with increases in hate crimes and behaviors directed towards Jews as well as other minority groups. Concord has an opportunity to be a leader in addressing this growing problem. We at Kerem Shalom look forward to being part of ongoing efforts to make sure that everyone feels welcome and safe in our schools and in our community.
Kindness and Shalom.
Rabbi Darby Jared Leigh