Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm ever recorded in Jamaica, slammed into the island’s western coast Tuesday night with Category 5 intensity and winds reaching up to 295 kilometers (183 miles) per hour, earning it the title “the storm of the century.”
Among those caught in the storm’s path was Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, Chabad emissary to Jamaica, and his family. The Raskins had prepared as best they could, but as the hurricane struck, they were forced to take shelter for hours in a small, windowless bathroom to protect themselves.
Hurricane Melissa: footage from the Chabad House in Jamaica
(Photo: Jamaica Chabad House)
Hours after the storm passed, the family managed to contact friends and supporters, thanking them for their prayers.
“Thank God, we and the children are safe and alive,” the Raskins wrote in a message.
They remain without stable internet service but have continued sending brief updates to reassure the Jewish community.
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Winds of nearly 300 kilometers per hour (about 185 miles per hour)
(Photo: Jamaica Chabad House)
The hurricane caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean island, severely damaging the local Chabad House, which provides year-round support for Israeli and Jewish travelers, as well as the local Jewish community.
Powerful winds tore solar panels and air-conditioning units from the roof, shattered balcony windows, and flooded rooms throughout the building. Before the storm intensified, Rabbi Raskin managed to rescue the Torah scrolls from the synagogue’s ark to keep them safe.
During the long night, members of Jamaica’s Jewish community came together — virtually — to pray for the safety of the Raskins and other Jews on the island. Many sent photos of themselves wearing tefillin and reciting prayers through WhatsApp.
Even amid the chaos, Rabbi Raskin continued to assist several Israelis who needed urgent help as the storm raged.
Around the world, thousands of Chabad emissaries prayed for their colleagues’ safety. The Chabad World Assistance (CWA) emergency and security organization issued a special notice, writing:
“A powerful hurricane is devastating Jamaica, destroying homes and causing severe damage. The Chabad emissaries and their family are currently in a safe room, cut off from the world, surrounded only by faith and prayer.”
The message urged Chabad communities everywhere to recite Psalms for their protection:
“Please take a moment to open your heart and say a chapter of Tehillim for the safety of Jamaica’s Jewish community and the Chabad emissaries.”
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the storm first made landfall near the town of New Hope, about 62 kilometers (38 miles) south of Montego Bay.
“This is a catastrophic situation,” said Anne-Claire Fontaine, a meteorologist with the World Meteorological Organization. “For Jamaica, there is no doubt — this is the storm of the century.”