Ozzy Osbourne, who was anything but ordinary, died Tuesday morning at the age of 76.
Known globally as the wild frontman of Black Sabbath and the so-called “Prince of Darkness,” many never saw past the theatrics and heavy-metal persona. But behind the eyeliner and outbursts was a man with unexpected convictions, one of which was his unwavering support for Israel.
While many celebrities have taken to social media to support anti-Israel causes or cancel appearances in the Holy Land, Osbourne chose a different path. His bond with Israel was personal, rooted in family, a deep curiosity about Jewish history and a refusal to cave to political pressure.
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Though raised in the Church of England, Osbourne married Sharon Levy, better known as Sharon Osbourne, whose father, Don Arden, was Jewish. “Judaism is the only religion I have and the only one I’m comfortable with,” Sharon told The Jewish Chronicle, adding that Judaism was “at the heart of our household.”
From early in their relationship, Ozzy expressed a desire to understand Jewish suffering. “Why don’t people like Jews?” he would ask Sharon, a question he repeated “since the day we met,” she told Jewish News in 2023. Even in recent years, she said, he remained “so confused” by the rise in antisemitism.
That concern turned into action.
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Osbourne first played Israel in 2010, headlining Ozzfest at Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park. At a time when some artists canceled shows under political pressure, Ozzy stayed true to his values. “I try to stay away from politics. They don’t understand me, and I don’t understand them,” he said in an interview with CBS News.
Before the concert, Ozzy and Sharon visited Jerusalem’s Old City, praying at the Western Wall and touring Yad Vashem. “We were very pleased to have the opportunity to come to Israel and visit the holy sites,” Ozzy told The Jewish Chronicle.
He returned in 2018 for a farewell performance in Rishon Lezion. When asked if boycott calls had reached their family, Sharon responded bluntly: “We play where we want to play. That’s it,” according to The Jerusalem Post.
In 2025, the couple joined more than 200 entertainment and business leaders in signing an open letter calling out what they described as “systematic bias against Israel” at the BBC, according to The Jewish Chronicle.
Despite declining health in his final years, Osbourne’s influence in Israel endured. Promoters said his concerts drew tens of thousands and inspired other international acts to defy boycott pressure.
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After news of his death broke this week, tributes from Israeli fans flooded social media. Many shared images of Ozzy standing at the Western Wall or rocking Tel Aviv’s massive crowds, a reminder that his impact extended far beyond music.
Ozzy Osbourne didn’t just shock the world with his rock. He stood for something, and in his quiet, consistent support for Israel, he revealed a side of himself that deserves to be remembered.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff
