Hundreds of Jamaicans gathered on the East Lawn of King’s House for ‘One Light One Love’ — an evening of music, joy, presence, and purpose on December 21, 2025. Coming just over a month after Hurricane Melissa’s unleashed devastation, and just a week after the terror attack in Sydney which took the lives of 15 people celebrating Hanukkah, the concert saw people of different backgrounds come together with one common intention — to choose light after darkness.

Held under the patronage of Sir Patrick Allen, governor general of Jamaica, the night stood as a powerful expression of unity, resilience, and shared responsibility.

The gathering coincided with the 8th night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. As the menorah was lit its glow lit the space with warmth and meaning. The moment was a powerful reminder that healing happens when people come together with intention and purpose.

“One Light One Love was not just an event, it was a declaration that, following destruction, a little bit of light can dispel a great amount of darkness,” said Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, event organiser and co-director of Chabad of Jamaica. “We are just beginning the road to recovery, and that road will be paved with countless acts of love, unity, goodness, and kindness.”

The evening featured stirring performances from global chart-topping British singer Alex Clare, along with beloved Jamaican artistes Yung Ras and Ozarri.

Clare, whose genre-defying music blends soulful vocals with reggae beats, dub step influences and dancehall rhythms, sang hits such as Too Close, Back of the Wagon, We Will Rebuild Again, and Spread Light.

Yung Ras delivered a deeply moving rendition of Jamaica We Shall Rise, which was written in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, and captured the strength, faith, and determination of our nation.

Mushkee Raskin, co-director of the Chabad of Jamaica, spoke about the Chabad of Jamaica’s ARK — Acts of Routine Kindness — project, a simple yet powerful initiative rooted in the belief that large transformations begin with small everyday actions. “We don’t heal by waiting for darkness to pass,” she shared. “We heal by choosing light, one small act at a time.”

Each attendee received a yellow ARK to take home – a small yellow charity box that acts as a reminder to fill it daily with small acts of charitable giving. The initiative reflects universal values rooted in the seven universal moral laws, which are shared principles of decency, compassion, and humanity that transcend background or belief.

One of the most moving moments of the night was the lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah’s eight candles. Flame after flame was kindled and the message was unmistakable: Light does not diminish when shared, it multiplies.

Garry Wallace, of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, underscored the ARK Project’s message that kindness must be lived every day. The event was also honoured by the presence of Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce, who lit the tallest candle of the menorah, reinforcing the evening’s message of leadership, hope, and collective responsibility.

All funds raised were allocated to Chabad Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, providing food, medicine, and essentials to Jamaicans in need.

A section of the audience at the King’s House-venued Hurricane Melissa Relief Concert.

Internationally acclaimed artiste Alex Clare (left) gets ready for the Hurricane Melissa Relief Concert along with Jamaica’s Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, concert organiser and director of Chabad of Jamaica’s ARK project..

From left: Rabbi Yaakov Raskin stands with Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment, and commerce; and Jesse and Karina Lehman of New Jersey, USA, who sourced, packed, and distributed shipping containers of aid in partnership with Chabad Jamaica.

Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, Jamaica’s rabbi and director of Chabad of Jamaica, presents an Acts of Routine Kindness (ARK) box to Jamaican musician Yung Ras, who performed at the Hurricane Melissa Relief Concert at King’s House.