Yuval Raphael and Matisyahu: Israeli Eurovision runner-up and Jewish Reggae-style artist team up for emotional single about the 7/10 massacre
On October 5th, 2026, artists Yuval Raphael and Matisyahu released a new pop-R&B single, “Carry On”, a deep, poignant expression of resilience, hope, and healing leading up to the third anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attacks.
Click here to hear the emotional single about October 7th:
Yuval Raphael, 2024 Eurovision Israeli second-place winner, and Matisyahu, a Jewish Caribbean Reggae/hip-hop artist from America, have come together to create a song by the name of “Carry On”. It has been unveiled just two days before the anniversary of the Hamas-led attacks of October 7th 2023. It expresses hope, resilience, unity, and healing, while also acknowledging suffering and the ability to choose life. It is written by Rachel Sapoznik and features production from producer Rico Love, winner of multiple Grammy Awards, along with co-production by Samson Rawls.
The track is a study in contrasts in many ways. One artist, of course, is Yuval Raphael. As many of us know, her background and harrowing experiences as an October 7th survivor at the Nova festival became the ultimate story of Eurovision 2024 for many reasons, including her powerful and soaring rendition of “New Day Will Rise” that captured the hearts of viewers across the globe and boosted her to second place overall. She became and still is a symbol of survival and hope not just for Israelis, but for Jews all over the world, displaying by example the enormous power music can have. The other artist is Matisyahu: a 47-year-old Jewish man who grew up in NY and incorporates many different elements in his music, including Caribbean reggae, hip-hop, alt rock, and rap. He’s known for his beatboxing and his high-energy performances, and sometimes draws on Jewish spiritual elements for inspiration. The question becomes: how did two very different artists from different places at different points in their lives end up singing together on the same track?
In truth, while they may seem distinctly different, there is one thing that runs through them both that outweighs any of the above: they are both Jewish, and have both been affected by October 7th in their own ways, like most Jews the world over. This includes songwriter Rachel Sapoznik. When she wrote the lyrics in the summer of 2026, she had in mind the resilient history of the Jewish people and the strength it took to keep getting back up and moving on. So when Rachel heard Yuval’s story, she decided that Yuval was the perfect embodiment of the song and reached out to her. Yuval immediately agreed and flew to Miami to record with renowned producer Rico Love, who was inspired himself by Rachel’s lyrics. Afterwards, Matisyahu heard Yuval’s demo and felt a deep, passionate connection to the project. And so he contacted Rachel Sapoznik, and that’s how his vocals ended up on “Carry On” as well.
These beautiful contrasts serve as the perfect backdrop literally and figuratively for a song that calls for hope, love, solidarity, and even self-worth. Yuval’s clear emotional vocals and Matisyahu’s grounded and poignant flavor make quite the combination, culminating in a gorgeous harmony near the end and giving the underlying melancholic feel a bit of an uplifting sound. “Carry On” has a story in itself, a mother giving strength to a child, telling them not to “bow for anyone”, a part which Matisyahu said he had trouble with at first, thinking about the victims and their mothers. While it isn’t a go-lucky happy song, the pop-R&B style is enough to have both the heaviness and the lightness felt in their own ways.
And that is how two seemingly distinctly different people came together to bring a stunning and emotional piece of music, purposely released close to October 7th. It is a reminder that we can feel our pain and grief and yet choose to live. Yuval mentioned in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 that she wants this track to serve as a memorial and a voice for everything the Israeli people have endured, as well as dedicating the song to global diaspora Jewish communities looking for a way to connect, and to anyone with an open heart to the message of endurance. In a similar vein, Rachel said:
“While the origin of writing ‘Carry On’ came from a Jewish place in my heart, I don’t want its message to stop there – it’s bigger than any one community,’ explains songwriter Rachel Sapoznik. ‘Everyone knows what it feels like to hurt, to grieve, to feel alone or unwelcome, or to be knocked down. If this song can give people a little hope, a little strength, or remind someone that they can get back up, then we have accomplished something very special.”
The darkness and grief of October 7th may always exist. But perhaps the unity and power of resilience that this song brings can be somewhat of a lantern through the darkness to brighten the way ahead, for Jews and for anyone else who is suffering and can use a helping hand.
Michelle
IsraelNoam Bettan represented Israel at Eurovision 2026 with “Michelle”. The entry finished 2nd in the grand final with 343 points.
Israel competed at Eurovision 48 times between 1973 and 2026. The country has won four times, most recently in 2018 with Netta Barzilai’s “Toy”. In 2026, Noam Bettan represented Israel with “Michelle”, finishing 2nd in the grand final with 343 points.
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A writer and content creator in the field of Eurovision, a commentator with extensive expertise in the modern era of the contest. Adiel’s vast knowledge and familiarity with Eurovision are reflected in every article, ensuring professional and up-to-date content. He closely follows song releases and various Eurovision pre-events. Adiel has a fondness for cultures and new languages, which he discovered through his love of Eurovision. In his writing, he places great emphasis on professional commentary and a diversity of opinions.
