Jamaica Shluchim Recount Survival During Hurricane

As Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica with destructive force on Tuesday, Chabad of Jamaica, led by Rabbi Yaakov and Mushkee Raskin, suffered severe damage to both their home and the Chabad Center in Montego Bay.

In a message dictated by phone to their emergency team in New York, amid power outages, flooding, and blocked roads, the Raskins described the terrifying moments as winds of over 200 mph ripped off parts of their roof, shattered windows, and sent torrents of rain through their home.

“This image cannot escape my eyes,” Rabbi Raskin said. “Yesterday afternoon, as Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica with devastating force, ripping off parts of our roof, shattering our windows, bursting through our living room door, and flooding our home, our children huddled with us.

“As I stacked mattresses against the 200 MPH winds and rains, all I could think about was my children’s safety. As our first shelter room became compromised, Mushkee and the children took shelter in a tiny bathroom with no windows, praying to G-d for it to end.”

The island has been left in crisis. Many homes are underwater, roofs torn away, and basic infrastructure severely compromised. The Raskins’ Chabad House, which serves as a spiritual and humanitarian hub for locals and tourists, remains inaccessible by car, with fallen power lines and debris blocking the path. Damage to the property is extensive, though the full extent is not yet known.

With no internet or electricity and only intermittent cell service, the Chabad Shluchim are doing everything possible to help others. Their generator has become a lifeline for the community, allowing residents to charge their phones and contact loved ones. “People are coming here just to let their families know they are alive,” the Raskins said.

An emergency crowdfunding campaign has been launched to assist the Raskins in repairing the Chabad House, helping local families, and providing essential supplies in the aftermath of the storm.

“The world calls this storm an act of G-d,” the Raskins shared in their message. “But we know that your Tzedakah is the greatest G-dly act you can do right now. Please help us bring light back to Jamaica.”

Chabad of Jamaica needs our help. Many homes in their community are destroyed.
Support the recovery efforts can contribute to the emergency fund here.