Chabad House in Washington State Burns Down, Youth Counselors Escape by Jumping from Windows

A dramatic fire broke out early Saturday morning at the Chabad emissaries' home in Bellevue, Washington, caused by an electrical malfunction. The blaze endangered the family of Rabbi Shalom and Chaya Elishevitz, as well as seven young counselors from the CTeen summer camp who were staying on the second floor after a festive Friday night meal.

Rabbi Elishevitz woke to the sound of the fire and thick smoke, quickly evacuating his wife and children. He then re-entered the burning building to rescue the counselors, only to find the main staircase blocked by flames. The counselors had no choice but to jump from the second-floor windows to escape. Moments later, the house was completely engulfed and destroyed.

Emergency responders treated the victims, who miraculously sustained only minor injuries. Rabbi Elishevitz suffered burns on his hands and mild smoke inhalation, while the counselors experienced anxiety and minor abrasions. The family, who have served the community for 18 years through the Eastside Torah Center, lost all their possessions.

Rabbi Mordechai Farkash, head of the local Jewish center, expressed sorrow over the loss of a home that had welcomed thousands of community members over two decades. Despite the trauma, the counselors refused to leave, and the summer camp resumed as planned on Monday with about 100 participants. The community is currently raising funds to help the family rebuild their home.