By Jacob Scheer

In an unprecedented moment for Chabad of Jamaica, hundreds gathered on December 21, at King’s House—the official residence of Jamaica’s Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen —for a Hurricane Melissa relief concert and Chanukah Celebration. The event marked the first time a Jewish event has been honored at this historic venue, Jamaica’s equivalent to the White House.

“Our Menorah — always on proud display outside the Chabad House — was destroyed in Hurricane Melissa,” said Rabbi Yaakov Raskin. “Just as our menorah was rebuilt and is now radiating its light once again, so too shall our great island of Jamaica.”

The concert featured global chart-topping British-Jewish singer Alex Clare, whose soulful blend of reggae, dubstep, and dancehall has made him an international crossover star. Clare performed hits including “Too Close”, “We Will Rebuild Again,” and “Back of the Wagon”, alongside Jamaican artists Ozari and Yung Ras, who delivered a stirring rendition of “Jamaica We Shall Rise,” written specifically in response to Hurricane Melissa.

A Night of Music, Unity and Meaning

The gathering came just eight weeks after Hurricane Melissa—the strongest hurricane ever recorded—devastated Jamaica’s western parishes, displaced thousands and caused over $10 billion in damage. Chabad of Jamaica, led by Rabbi Yaakov and Mushkie Raskin, immediately mobilized, providing food, medicine, and essential supplies to affected communities regardless of religious background. 

The highlight came during the lighting of the menorah’s eight candles on the final night of Hanukkah. As each flame was kindled on the East Lawn of King’s House, the symbolism was unmistakable: just one week after the terror attack in Sydney that killed 15 Jews celebrating Chanukah, Jamaica’s Jewish community stood publicly, proudly, and safely under the protection and celebration of their nation’s highest office.

“We don’t heal by waiting for darkness to pass,” said Mushkie Raskin, co-director of Chabad of Jamaica. “We heal by choosing light, one small act at a time.”

Hundreds of Jamaicans of all backgrounds gathered along with Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, who lit the menorah’s shamash. Garry Wallace of the Tourism Enhancement Fund also spoke, emphasizing the importance of sustained community action in the recovery effort.

The ARK Project: Acts of Routine Kindness

Each attendee received a yellow charity box as part of Chabad’s ARK (Acts of Routine Kindness) initiative, encouraging daily acts of giving rooted in the Seven Noahide Laws—universal principles of morality and compassion. The project reflects Chabad’s philosophy that transformation begins with small, consistent actions.

For attendees at the concert, the evening represented something deeper than just fundraising or solidarity. “It was overwhelming,” one community member shared. “To see government ministers speak about our work, to light the menorah at King’s House, to be honored like that.”

Throughout Hanukkah, Chabad of Jamaica has worked tirelessly to distribute menorahs to all of Jamaica’s 350 Jewish residents, as well as to Jewish tourists at resorts that have recently opened up again. Over the 8 nights of the holiday, Chabad held hanukkah parties and public menorah lightings across the island.

“The response from Jamaica’s government and people has been very moving,” said Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, co-director of Chabad of Jamaica. “In a time of heightened antisemitism, to be invited to King’s House and to light a 14-foot menorah in such a historic space was truly special.”

All proceeds from the event support Chabad Jamaica’s ongoing Hurricane Melissa relief efforts. To contribute, visit https://jewishjamaica.com/Relief

To view a full recording of the concert, visit https://jewishjamaica.com/7170750