Ariel Zilber

Early Life and Musical Roots
Youth and Early Career
Musical Success in the 1970s and 1980s
Religious and Political Transformation
Controversy and Awards
Current Work and Legacy
 

Early Life and Musical Roots

Ariel Zilber is a prominent Israeli singer-songwriter, known for his eclectic style and transition from a secular rock artist to a religious and politically outspoken figure. Born in Tel Aviv, Zilber’s parents were both influential in the Israeli music scene—his mother, Bracha Zefira, was a famous singer, and his father, Ben Ami Zilber, was a violinist with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Zilber’s early exposure to music shaped his creative path, although his journey was not without its challenges.

Youth and Early Career

Zilber’s rebellious nature became apparent in his youth when he attended a secular boarding school on Kibbutz Gan Shmu’el but was expelled at age 15 for mischief. He soon focused on music, initially playing the trumpet in Tel Aviv. His desire to refine his craft led him to England and France, where he explored different musical styles before returning to Israel in the late 1960s.

Musical Success in the 1970s and 1980s

In the 1970s and 1980s, Zilber became one of the most influential figures in Israeli music, fronting several rock bands and later embarking on a successful solo career. His music, characterized by amusing and eccentric lyrics, spanned rock, pop, and hip-hop genres. Some of his most iconic songs became Israeli anthems, cementing his place in the country’s cultural landscape.

Religious and Political Transformation

In the 2000s, Zilber’s political and religious views took a dramatic turn. After embracing Lubavitch Hasidism, he began to align with the Orthodox right. In 2004, he moved to a settlement in Gaza and became a vocal opponent of the Israeli government’s plan to disengage from the region. His involvement in protests against the Gaza withdrawal in 2005 further highlighted his commitment to his new ideological beliefs.

Controversy and Awards

Zilber’s political views became as well-known as his music, leading to controversy. In 2014, he was nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society of Authors, Composers, and Music Publishers in Israel (ACUM). However, due to his political stances—particularly his support for Israeli settlements and his outspoken views on Israeli Arabs—ACUM downgraded the award to a musical achievement prize. This decision sparked debate, with supporters arguing that Zilber’s contributions to Israeli music should be separated from his political beliefs.

Current Work and Legacy

Despite these controversies, Zilber continues to release new music, much of which explores religious themes. Ariel Zilber remains an active and provocative figure in Israeli culture, known both for his musical legacy and his unapologetic ideological positions.

Sources: “Musician Ariel Zilber Is Born,” Center for Israel Education.
“Ariel Zilber - Biography,” Last.fm.
Ben Shalev, “His Political Tune Has Changed, but Ariel Zilber’s Melody Remains Timeless,” Haaretz, (April 19, 2013).
Dana Kessler, “Israeli Musician Ariel Zilber Denied Lifetime Achievement Award,” Tablet, (February 4, 2014).

Photo: Tel Aviv 100th anniversary - Centennial Photo - Deror Avi via Wikimedia Commons.