Ep 45: Avishai Kessel: Bondi Made Me Want To Live

I first met Avishai Kessel in the days following the December 14, 2025 terror attack at Bondi Beach. He was 16 years old and had just survived. Since then, our paths have crossed many times, and I have come to know this remarkable young man with an enormous story that needs to be heard.

In this episode of The Actual, Avishai shares his despression and despair prior to the massacre, what he went through that day, and how surviving transformed his life to reveal just how much he actually wanted to live. Through our conversation, he reflects on his journey back to his Jewish faith and how he has come to find a renewed sense of purpose in life.

Original music in this episode Kama At Yafa (כמה את יפה) performed by CHUTNEY, from the album Ajar (2024). Courtesy of CHUTNEY/Ben Adler. Used with permission.