Miami Songwriter Rachel Sapoznik Brings Message Of Hope To New Single “Carry On”

A powerful message of resilience, pride and unity is at the heart of “Carry On,” a new pop-R&B single bringing together GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Matisyahu, Israeli singer-songwriter and Eurovision runner-up Yuval Raphael, and Miami-based GRAMMY-winning producer Rico Love. The song, released October 5th, was written by Miami native and local businesswoman Rachel Sapoznik, who drew inspiration from personal reflection, Jewish history and the universal human experience of overcoming adversity.

Since its release, “Carry On” has garnered more than 250,000 streams worldwide, connecting with listeners through its message of perseverance and hope.

For Sapoznik, the song began with a deeply personal response to the events of October 7th, 2023, and the lasting impact they had on Jewish communities and people around the world. In the summer of 2026, she began putting her thoughts into words, reflecting on the resilience of the Jewish people throughout history.

She considered how, despite repeated attempts to destroy or diminish the Jewish people, generations have continued to rise, rebuild and move forward.

Although Sapoznik had never written a song before, the lyrics came to her quickly. As she developed the message, however, she realized the words extended beyond one community or a single moment in history.

The song evolved into a broader reflection on what unites people across differences in religion, nationality, identity and background.

At its core, “Carry On” recognizes that grief, fear, anger and pain are universal emotions. Everyone experiences moments when they feel defeated, forgotten or knocked down. The challenge, Sapoznik's message suggests, is finding the strength to rise again without allowing others to define one's worth or erase one's identity.

The song encourages listeners to stand tall, embrace who they are and refuse to apologize for being true to themselves.

That message became especially meaningful to Sapoznik when she learned about Raphael's story.

Raphael survived the October 7th, 2023, Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival in Israel. Despite the trauma she endured, she went on to pursue music, eventually earning international recognition as Israel's representative at the Eurovision Song Contest, where she finished as runner-up.

For Sapoznik, Raphael embodied the spirit of the song: a person who experienced unimaginable circumstances but continued moving forward, reclaiming her future and finding her voice through music.

Sapoznik knew she wanted Raphael to sing the lyrics.

Moved by the song's message, Raphael traveled to the United States to record with Love, whose production and songwriting credits include work with major artists such as Beyonce and Usher. Love was equally inspired by the lyrics and quickly developed music designed to capture the song's emotional intensity and uplifting spirit.

The collaboration expanded when Matisyahu heard the demo and felt compelled to participate.

Known for blending Reggae, Hip-Hop and other musical influences, Matisyahu has built a career around songs that explore hope, freedom and spiritual perseverance. His well-known anthems, including “One Day” and “Live Like a Warrior,” reflect themes that closely align with “Carry On.”

His involvement brought another distinctive voice to a project united by the belief that music can help people find strength during difficult times.

Although the three performers and their collaborators come from different backgrounds and have traveled different paths, their contributions converge around a shared idea: adversity does not have to determine the future, and no one should have to surrender their identity to belong.

The song's central message is captured in its simple but forceful call to action: When others tell you that you do not belong, carry on.

For Sapoznik, the project represents an opportunity to transform a personal reflection into something that can reach far beyond South Florida. By bringing together artists whose experiences and musical styles differ, the single seeks to offer comfort to those who are hurting while encouraging listeners to embrace their strength, dignity and individuality.

“Carry On” arrives at a time when many people are navigating uncertainty, loss and division. Rather than focusing solely on pain, the song points toward the possibility of healing and the importance of continuing forward.

Its message is both personal and collective: people may face different struggles, but they share the capacity to grieve, rebuild and hope.

Listeners can hear “Carry On” on digital streaming platforms at: https://too.fm/0wqvdam.

About Matisyahu:

Like only the most gifted storytellers, Matisyahu spins the rare kind of stories that simultaneously enlighten, enthrall, and expand the audience’s sense of possibility. Since breaking onto the scene 20 years ago with his 2005 Gold-certified Live At Stubb’s album and the genre-bending, Billboard Hot 100-charting and alt-radio topping breakthrough single “King Without A Crown,” the New York native has become known for his skill in blending a shapeshifting collision of Reggae, Hip-Hop, Alt Rock and boldly inventive Pop – all while paying homage to his spirituality and roots in Judaism. Matisyahu’s long and winding career consists of eight studio albums, including the chart-topping albums Light (2009), which features his Gold-certified global hit “One Day” – whose original version has been streamed over 160 million times on Spotify alone, Youth (2006), and Spark Seeker (2012), various EPs, and multiple live albums, which exemplify his transcendent live show that provides audiences with a dynamic and energetic performance full of life and illumination.

About Yuval Raphael:

Yuval Raphael is an Israeli artist who represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, capturing hearts across Europe by finishing second overall and winning first place in the public vote. One year later, she returned as a songwriter for the Israeli entry “MICHELLE,” which also achieved second place — making it two years in a row. As a Nova Festival survivor, Yuval transformed pain into extraordinary strength. After surviving the October 7th massacre, she chose music as a way to heal, inspire, and give voice to resilience. Through deeply emotional original songs and powerful covers, Yuval weaves her personal story into every performance, turning vulnerability into strength on stage. Today, she stands not only as an artist, but as a symbol of courage, survival, and hope — proving how music can rise from even the darkest moments and unite millions around the world.

About Rico Love:

Rico Love, a four-time Songwriter of the Year and multi-GRAMMY-winning songwriter/producer, has made significant contributions to the music industry. In addition to writing and producing hits for artists like Usher, Nelly, Trey Songz, and Kelly Rowland, Love also served as Vice Chairman of the Grammys for two years and now holds the prestigious position of Chairman of the Grammys Black Music Collective. His collaborative work includes the song “Twerk” for City Girls featuring Cardi B as well as Usher’s popular singles “Boyfriend” and “Stone Kold Freak.” Rico’s notable achievements include his work on GRAMMY Award-winning albums such as Beyonce’s I Am…Sasha Fierce, Usher’s Raymond v. Raymond, and more.

About Rachel Sapoznik:

Rachel Sapoznik is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, writer, artist, and the former President and CEO of Sapoznik Insurance, the company she built and sold to private equity in 2020. Since stepping away from the insurance world, Rachel has devoted much of her time to philanthropy, art, advocacy, and speaking out against antisemitism and in support of Israel. Her writing has appeared in the New York Post, JNS, and other publications. Rachel’s newest chapter came unexpectedly through music. Although she had never considered herself a songwriter, Rachel began writing the lyrics that ultimately became “Carry On,” an experience she describes as divine intervention—as though the words were simply being given to her. Today, Rachel’s greatest focus is using her voice, creativity, and resources to make a difference. She is the proud mother of three and grandmother of thirteen, 7 girls and 6 boys, all under the age of 15.