The reverberations of heavy metal’s foundational chords have momentarily ceased. Last night, the world bid farewell to Ozzy Osbourne, the inimitable “Prince of Darkness,” whose very name conjures images of electrifying performances and a life lived on the edge.
Yet, beyond the iconic stage persona and the groundbreaking music, Osbourne cultivated a unique and deeply resonant bond with Israel, a connection that transcended mere celebrity and became a testament to enduring understanding and shared values.
Ozzy’s journey into a deeper appreciation for Jewish culture and Israel was largely illuminated by his indomitable wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne.
Ozzy's Jewish connection
Born Sharon Levy, her late father, Don Arden, was an Ashkenazi Jew, a heritage that profoundly shaped her identity and, subsequently, the ethos of their household. While Ozzy himself was raised within the traditions of the Church of England, he harbored a persistent and sincere intellectual curiosity about antisemitism.
“Why don’t people like Jews?” he famously pondered to Sharon since their earliest days together, a question that underscored a genuine inability to reconcile such prejudice. This profound personal inquiry laid the groundwork for a relationship with the Jewish people and their homeland that defied conventional expectations for a rock icon.
His initial foray into this connection manifested publicly in 2010, when his “Crazy Train” made its inaugural stop in Tel Aviv for Ozzfest at Hayarkon Park. This was no ordinary concert engagement; it was a cultural immersion. Prior to the electrifying performance, Ozzy and Sharon dedicated a full day to exploring the ancient heart of Jerusalem.
Their pilgrimage included visits to the sacred Western Wall, a site of profound spiritual significance, and the solemn Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.
“We were very pleased to have the opportunity to come to Israel and visit the holy sites,” Ozzy remarked at the time, a sentiment imbued with genuine respect, particularly as the couple navigated considerable external pressures to cancel their appearance.
Sharon, ever the fierce guardian of artistic freedom and personal conviction, famously retorted to boycott proponents: “I’m half a Heeb. We play where we want to play. That’s it.”
Ozzy, for his part, maintained a stance of political detachment, attributing his prior absence from Israel to his well-documented personal battles with alcoholism rather than any ideological opposition.
Eight years later, the “Prince of Darkness” returned for his “No More Tours 2” farewell swing, gracing the stage at Live Park in Rishon Lezion. The widespread coverage of these events highlighted not only the unbridled energy emanating from the stage but also the unwavering resolve of the Osbournes against cultural isolation.
These performances, drawing tens of thousands of fervent Israeli fans, were widely perceived as pivotal, helping to pave the way for other major international rock acts to perform in the country, thereby actively challenging and defying the pressures of cultural boycotts.
Solidarity with Israel
The Osbournes’ solidarity extended far beyond the concert circuit. Their commitment was tangibly demonstrated in March 2025 when they joined over 200 prominent figures from the entertainment and business sectors in signing an open letter that vociferously demanded an inquiry into what they termed “systematic bias against Israel” at the BBC.
More recently, Sharon’s unequivocal call to revoke the US visas of an Irish band following what she deemed an anti-Israel performance at Coachella underscored the family’s deep-seated convictions, actions that resonated profoundly with many within Israel and the wider Jewish community.
For the vibrant Israeli metal community, Ozzy’s significance transcends mere entertainment. Kobi Farhi, the esteemed frontman of the acclaimed Israeli metal band Orphaned Land, who had the distinct honor of opening for Ozzy in Rishon Lezion, eloquently articulated this sentiment.
Farhi affectionately described Ozzy as nothing less than a “high priest” or an “important rabbi of the scene,” emphasizing the foundational role Black Sabbath played in shaping the genre globally.
This profound reverence speaks to a legacy that delves far deeper than chart-topping hits or sold-out arenas, touching upon the very essence of cultural identity and artistic inspiration.
As the world collectively mourns the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, his profound influence in Israel remains undiminished. His unique narrative portrays him not merely as a rock legend but as a cultural bridge-builder.
His life story, marked by personal struggle and unparalleled artistic triumph, is also one of surprising connections and an unwavering stance against hatred.
It serves as a powerful reminder that beyond the stage, true artists possess the capacity to inspire, challenge, and ultimately, foster enduring friendships that resonate across generations.