Just hours after Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica with record-breaking winds and flooding, Chabad of Jamaica became a central hub for rescue and relief. Despite their own building sustaining severe damage – shattered windows, blown-off doors, torn solar panels, and widespread flooding – shluchim Rabbi Yaakov and Chaya Raskin immediately began organizing aid for others.

As 185 mph winds pounded Montego Bay last week, the Raskin family sheltered in a windowless room with their children. By the following morning, even as they emerged to find much of the Chabad House destroyed, they had already begun distributing food, water, and essentials to stranded locals and tourists, setting up charging stations, and coordinating relief deliveries.

“We have a responsibility to everyone on the island,” said Rabbi Raskin. “That commitment continues even as we operate with limited electricity, no water, and no internet connection.”

Working with Hatzolah Air, the Raskins arranged the first private plane of humanitarian aid to fly from South Florida, carrying kosher food, baby formula, canned goods, medicine, flashlights, and other critical supplies. Two bochurim, Mottel Slonim and Tzemach Shemtov, were dispatched from New York to assist with the Chabad-led relief operations on the ground, joining local volunteers in distributing supplies to isolated communities.

The Chabad House – still running on a generator – has become both a shelter and a coordination center. Neighbors have come to charge their phones, families have joined for Shabbos meals, and volunteers have helped clean debris and secure the damaged structure.

On social media, Chabad Jamaica described the situation: “Some sights were very difficult – downed trees, collapsed buildings, chaos on the roads. But other sights were beautiful – people helping one another, neighbors sharing food and power. Several tourists and locals are sheltering with us; we’ll celebrate Shabbos together.”

With roads blocked and vehicles damaged, Rabbi Raskin, the bochurim, and volunteers have walked miles through debris to reach residents in need. Alongside their efforts to deliver aid and assistance, they also helped Jews put on tefillin and perform mitzvos. Many were deeply moved, some brought to tears as they davened together.

A second shipment of aid is now being prepared, including an atmospheric water generator to provide clean drinking water for affected communities.

“We will repair the material items,” said Rabbi Raskin. “But our souls are unshaken. We will overcome this test, just as Avraham Avinu did.”

Donations toward Chabad Jamaica’s ongoing relief efforts can be made at www.jewishjamaica.com/melissa.

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