Eliyahu Gamliel, an Israeli folk dance choreographer, was born in Tiberias, attended the “Talmud Torah,” and attended elementary school there. From an early age he showed an aptitude for music, and at age 12 he played the harmonica and drums and accompanied his dances. He was educated at Ein Harod and Ramat Yohanan and organized evening dancing at the Kibbutz on Friday nights.

Eliyahu met the composer John Matityahu Pay who was impressed by his talents and sent him to study music.

Eliyahu was a member of the “Gang of Fire” and frequently performed songs for communities around the Israel, singing, dancing, drumming, and playing various pipes, some of which he created. He guided and organized dance sessions and served as a music teacher in schools and the Kibbutz.

A member of the “Song Festival of 1965,” he selecting songs alongside Paul Ben-Haim, Ezekiel Brown, Aaron Majd, Naomi Polani, and others. He performed with his daughter Jasmine even after he had passed his 80th birthday.

Eliyahu knew every hill and valley in his beloved country, and was also an expert on its vegetation and flora. He loved to take people on long walks, and always had his flutes ready, playing authentic Israeli music.

Eliyahu lived in Haifa until his death in March of 2013 at the age 87.

Dances Eliyahu has taught include Ahavat Atika, Ahavat Hadassah No. 2, Ayelet Ahavim, Azreini El Chay, Bat Hazman, Besdot Bet-Lechem (Bisdot Beit Lechem), Bazochri Yamim Yamina (Bezochri Yamim Yamina), Biglal Ha’ahava, Bisdot Beit Lechem, Debka Bnot Hakfar, Dror Yikra, Eliyahu Hanavi, Eretz Zavat Chalav, Erev Shel Shoshanim, Ez Vakeves, Hagashashim, Hakol Biglal Haahava, Haperach Begani, Im Nin’alu, Kol Hadavod (Kazablan), Kshe’hashemesh Ola, Kumi Tzei, Lashir Yalda, Me’ever Lanahar, Mi Hayish (Mi Ha’ish), Ozreni El Chay, Perach Begani, Pizmon Haagudah, Roeh Veroah, Shkedim Vetzimukim (Pegisha Le’ein Ketz), Shney Shoshanim, Shtey Ahayot, Siman She’ata Tza’ir, Tarantella (Israeli Tarantella), Tiyul Leili, Tzion Tamati, Uvau Haovdim, Yam Ushkiya, and Yesh Li Gan.