Jewish groups mobilize aid after Hurricane Melissa devastates Caribbean

Emergency responders across the Caribbean continue to face blocked roads, downed power lines, and landslides hampering aid deliveries.

By Jewish Breaking News

With the death toll climbing past 60 across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, World Jewish Relief has launched an urgent fundraising drive to deliver life-saving aid to tens of thousands left homeless by Hurricane Melissa.

The Category 5 hurricane struck Tuesday with winds of 185 mph, flattening homes, severing power to nearly three-quarters of affected areas, and cutting off food, water, and medical access for millions.

At least 28 people were killed in Jamaica and 31 in Haiti, while at least two deaths have been reported in the Dominican Republic.

In Cuba, thousands of people have been evacuated as more than 60,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed.

Meanwhile, emergency responders across the Caribbean continue to face blocked roads, downed power lines, and landslides hampering aid deliveries.

In Jamaica’s western towns of Black River and Montego Bay, field hospitals have been set up to treat the injured, while desperate residents have been seen breaking into shops in search of food and medicine.

On Friday, World Jewish Relief announced that its trusted partners in Haiti and Jamaica are already assessing critical needs while monitoring the safety of the small Jewish community in Jamaica.

“In times of tragedy, swift action can save lives,” said Chief Executive Paul Anticoni, urging the public to help meet the £250,000 goal needed to reach 10,000 survivors, prioritizing older adults, women, and children.

Aside from the London-based charity’s efforts, Chabad of Jamaica has become a beacon of resilience on the ground.

Despite shattered windows, no running water, and widespread destruction, Rabbi Yaakov and Chaya Raskin turned their damaged synagogue into a relief hub, offering charging stations, meals, and shelter to locals and stranded tourists.

Within days of the hurricane, a private plane organized by Chabad of Jamaica and Hatzalah arrived from South Florida carrying kosher food, baby formula, flashlights, and medical supplies.