Veteran Israeli Actor and Singer Ili Gurlitzky Dies at 91

Ili Gurlitzky, a veteran Israeli stage artist, actor, and singer, passed away at the age of 91. Gurlitzky had a decades-long career in theater, film, and music. He is particularly remembered for his dual role in the iconic musical "King Solomon and Shlomi the Shoemaker" at the Cameri Theater, where he starred alongside Yona Atari and Rachel Attas. Born in Tel Aviv in 1935, Gurlitzky joined the dramatic school of the Ohel Theater at 17 and was part of the Central Command's entertainment troupe during his military service. He later joined the Cameri Theater, becoming one of its prominent young actors. His breakthrough came in 1964 with "King Solomon and Shlomi the Shoemaker," a highly successful production by Natan Alterman and Sasha Argov, which ran for over a thousand performances. His collaboration with Yona Atari continued in their 1965 show "Reality Market," featuring Natan Alterman's songs. Gurlitzky's extensive career included numerous plays, shows, and films such as "The Good Person of Szechwan," "He Walked Through the Fields," "Twelfth Night," "Guys and Dolls," the film "Three Days and a Boy," and the show "Wise Men at Night" with Yossi Banai. He received three David's Violin awards for his performances in "King Solomon and Shlomi the Shoemaker," "Reality Market," and "Wise Men at Night."

Beyond his performing career, Gurlitzky was a key figure in advocating for artists' rights in Israel. He was among the founders of AM"I (Association of Israeli Artists) in 1979 and served as its founding chairman. He also initiated and led "Ashkolot," the Society for Performing Artists' Rights, as its first CEO and chairman of the board, and later held the title of honorary president.

Gurlitzky also pursued interests in philosophy, history, and Jewish thought, publishing two books: "The Hidden Secret," exploring the encounter between Maimonides and Averroes, and "Tahiro," about Sabbatai Zevi. In 2019, he was honored with the title "Yakir Tel Aviv-Yafo" (Distinguished Citizen of Tel Aviv-Yafo) for his lifelong contribution to Israeli culture and his work for artists' rights.