Zum Gali Gali
History and Movement Activity
By Mary Donnelly
May be used with the Folk Song Partner activity featuring “Zum Gali Gali” and “The Pioneer’s
Song” in the December 2010, Volume 11, No. 3 issue of Music Express.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
“Zum Gali Gali” is a traditional Hebrew song relating to the formation of the State of Israel, origi-
nating sometime around its creation in 1948. The pioneers referred to in the song were the Jewish
settlers who built the new Israel. Years ago, this chant was sung by people while working together;
the song lends itself well to digging or any other task requiring a steady beat.
MOVEMENT ACTIVITY
Do a simplified hora-style dance.
Suggested steps:
1. Have students stand in a circle, arms linked or holding hands.
There will be two steps per measure.
2. On phrase one of section A and C, step in towards the center four steps raising hands gradually
3. On phrase two, step out four steps and lower hands.
4. Repeat for phrases three and four.
5. On the B section, circle to the left stepping on the strong beats.
6. Option for upper grades: On the B section, do a grapevine to the left for five steps.
On beat six, kick right foot. On beat seven, put right foot down. On beat eight, kick left foot.
Repeat as necessary.
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December 2010
