The Actual

My captivating guest is Linda Margolin Royal, bestselling author and award-winning novel The Star on the Grave. This book began as a screenplay and is now being developed for television. As an adult, Linda discovered that her family survived the Holocaust due to diplomat Chiune Sugihara - the Japanese Oskar Shindler. This discovery changed the course of her work, her writing, and shaped her experience of being Jewish in Australia. Linda shares the challenges of promoting a Jewish story during October 7, and why she remains determined to continue telling stories. 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.

Co-founder and CEO of Allies for a Strong Australia, Mark Leach returns to The Actual. Allies for a Strong Australia is a movement focused on the deep social and cultural fractures in society - where antisemitism is one symptom of this. In this fascinating conversation, Mark explains why Australians needs to hold the "radical centre", by building local chapters across federal electorates. He believes it's time to shift our attention from ideological opponents toward ordinary Australians who want to have a say, and can do so by engaging directly with their local representatives. Mark is determined to build an Australia in which people can disagree without becoming enemies, and where Jewish Australians and all Australians can remain safe and free. 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.

It has been 10 months since the Bondi Beach massacre, and in this episode, Michael Britvan shares his story. Michael is a Ukrainian Jew, a father, and husband. He shares the story of his family, beginning with their roots in Odessa and his grandmother’s survival of the Holocaust. Years later, when in Australia, Michael shares the beginning of his relationship with his wife Valentyna, and their children. It's a beautiful love story, until tragedy struck at Bondi Beach killing 10 year old Matilda. Michael speaks openly about the memories he keeps close, and about the flight of Matilda’s Bee that he created as a way to keep her kindness and joy moving through the world - one small act of kindness at a time. You won't want to miss this important and moving episode. Visit: https://matildabee.org/ 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.

Israel is heading to the polls on October 27 2026, in its first national election since the October 7 attacks. My phenomenal guest is Matan Yaffe, Israeli social entrepreneur, reserve officer, and Chairman of El HaDegel, a new political movement seeking to keep Zionism centre stage in Israeli politics. Politics was never part of Matan’s plan, however he recognises the ongoing existential threats Israel faces. When he returned from 600 days of service in Gaza, he found the country slipping back into the same divisions that existed prior to the war. He knew he needed to step up, as Israel’s future depends on putting the country above political camps. He emphasises that each person takes responsibility for the miracle that is Israel, to ensure this miracle continues to exist. 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.

In this episode of The Actual, Yoash Dvir, CEO of Technion Australia, describes Technion's fascinating life-enhancing technical and medical innovations that are being used globally. Based in Haifa, the Technion has been at the heart of Israeli science and technology for more than a century with discoveries that reach far beyond its borders. Yoash shares why the Technion's work matters in Australia and globally. Their innovation allow crops to grow in deserts, pills containinmg a camera aids medical diagnoses, wireless electric roads charge cars, and so much more. Listen to find out how ideas born in Israel can make a difference for us closer to home. 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.

After a near-death illness in 2022, journalist and author Nikki Goldstein awoke from a medically induced coma. Whilst unconscious, her fate intertwined with Rabbi Eli Schlanger (May his memory be a blessing) who prayed at her bedside and blew the shofar. This experience set in motion a deep journey between them where they embarked on writing a book together. In this episode, Nikki shares the personal story behind their book - Conversations with My Rabbi, about morality, miracles, ancient Jewish wisdom and the seven Noahide Laws. The conversation also remembers Rabbi Eli, whose death came after the 6th Noahide Law was discussed, when he was tragically murdered alongside 14 others at Bondi Beach. Now, the wisdom he shared lives on through Nikki and their phenomenal book. 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.

In this episode of The Actual, I am delighted to be joined again by pharmacist, proud Zionist, community volunteer and Operation Golda founder Shoshana Eisner. Guided by what she believes should begin every conversation - "How can I help?” - Shoshana has become a constant point of connection for a community still carrying the impact of the Bondi massacre. Since the morning after the attack, she has served as Head of Bondi Crisis, Community and Volunteers at Sydney’s Jewish House, connecting survivors, bereaved families and deeply affected community members with practical and emotional support. Shoshana and I speak about the current reality for survivors, the trauma and hypervigilance many continue to live with, and why support cannot end when the immediate crisis or public attention moves on. Shoshana reminds us that recovery is ongoing and that help must be continuous. 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.

In this episode of The Actual, I speak with Idan Goldberger, CEO of the Australian Friends of Sheba Medical Centre, about the extraordinary power of healthcare to reach beyond borders. Idan’s relationship with Sheba is deeply personal. More than two decades ago, he was critically injured during his military service and treated at the hospital that would later become central to his life’s work. Our conversation moves through Sheba’s response to the events of October 7, its preparation for the return of the hostages and the trauma support it later provided to Sydney’s Jewish community following December's Bondi massacre. The Sheba delegation brought wisdom, skills, and experience from Israel to Sydney, and became a psychological anchor during an unimaginably difficult time. Idan also shares how Sheba is transforming healthcare through medical innovation and why hope must be more than something we feel. It must be something we choose and act upon. 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.

Following the massacre on October 7 2023 in Israel, many young Australian Jews question what kind of future they have here - could they remain at university? Have a career? Stay true to their identity? On this episode of The Actual, Ariel Eisner shares his experiences at university, the hostility he faced on campus, and how his trust was broken by the institution that was supposed to keep him safe. Following university, he also faced difficulty entering the workforce with escalating antisemitism. Those experiences led Ariel and his co-founder Dean Cohen to create Reshet - a community built to bring young Jewish professionals together and offer guidance mentorship connection and career opportunities. We discuss the fears young Jewish adults face, and how older community members have a huge amount of wisdom, support and guidance to offer them as they navigate today's rapidly changing landscape. 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.

What does it really mean to be strong? In this episode of The Actual, my guest is Sammy Yahood. He is the founder of Peace Through Strength, a movement dedicated to restoring Jewish values and empowering Jews through resilience and community. Sammy reveals why we need to embrace discomfort to become mentally and physically strong to be prepared for the world we now live in. He adds that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward and take action despite it. 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.

In this fascinating episode of The Actual, my guest is Darya Rubenstein, Executive Director of Australian Friends of United Hatzalah of Israel. Darya reveals the groundbreaking life saving work and their role in Australia post-Bondi. United Hatzalah is Israel’s largest fully volunteer emergency medical service with thousands of trained volunteers responding to medical emergencies across the country, often arriving in 3 minutes or less. Following the Bondi attack, Darya helped co-ordinate the deployment of United Hatzalah’s Trauma and Crisis Response Unit to Sydney, where trauma specialists supported survivors, families, first responders, and members of the wider community. 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.

In this episode of The Actual, my phenomenal guest is Australian social and political commentator Calista Clements. Her fearless online commentary has earned her a rapidly growing audience across the country. At just 25 years old, Calista calls cuts through the the maddening noise to discuss rising crime rates, political and leadership issues, social fragmentation, antisemitism, and radicalisation. 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.

In this episode of The Actual, my guest is Will Nemesh, Mayor of Waverley, home to Bondi Beach, and member of Sydney’s Jewish community. Will shares how he found himself leading Waverley Council through one of the most devastating periods in recent Australian history. Will describes how the events at the Bondi massacre challenged him personally and as a leader. He reveals what his council has done so far, from supporting local businesses to strengthening social cohesion and combating antisemitism, as well as what the Jewish community should know about the ongoing council work to support Bondi and more. 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.

In this moving episode of The Actual, my guest is Rabbi Yossi Friedman of Rabbi On Demand. Following the terrorist attack in Bondi on December 14 2025, Yossi became a leading grassroots figure helping Jews, Australians from all walks of life, and tourists process the enormity of the attacks through his memorial prayer services at Bondi Pavillion. What emerged in the weeks and months through these services was a spiritual place to grieve who and what was lost, to remember the victims and heroes, to connect with each other, and to remember that unity over division is crucial. Beyond the tragedy itself was the extraordinary humanity that emerged afterwards in response to unimaginable violence. 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.

Four times as a guest on The Actual, Australian Iranian patriot Ali had his social media platform taken down before and after the recording of this episode. Ali shares the realities of the dark forces of terrorism and how we live alongside it, many unaware of the proximity to us. Ali and I continue the broader discussion on the propaganda war unfolding across social media and the continuous silencing of Iranian and Jewish voices. Ali gives insights as to why this is a long war militarily and also psychologically, socially, and digitally. Above all, this episode is about truth and why the duty to keep speaking still matters even in a world increasingly trying to silence those who do. 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.

My guest on this episode of The Actual is Jessica Chapnik Kahn, an Argentinian–Australian writer, artist, and fellow Bondi survivor. Jessica and I met in the aftermath of the Bondi massacre on 14 December 2025. Jessica and I return to that day reflecting on our different experiences. This discussion is personal and moving as we both explored uncharted territory together, revealing aspects of ourselves we never knew existed. This conversation is deeply connected to the individual experiences, the collective, and how each person holds a part of the greater picture. 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.

In this episode of The Actual, my incredibly knowledgeable and courageous guest is Marnie Perlstein, a passionate Jewish advocate and one of Australia’s most visible voices in the fight against antisemitism and antizionism. Marnie shares how online and university campus antisemitism in Australia were on her radar years prior to October 7 and why she dedicates her life to speaking publicly on these issues. Marnie has grown a global platform where she highlights conversations on Jewish identity and belonging, misinformation and distortion of truth, and reveals her tools for dealing with online hate. A truly insightful discussion. 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.

Tamar Pross, the founder of Citizen Cafe Tel Aviv, is my latest guest on The Actual. In this fascinating episode, she shares her deep reflections on Jewish identity and how her global platform Citizen Cafe became a space where people meet, connect, and feel closer to Israeli life through the Hebrew language. Tamar shares her reflections on why Gilad Shalit's story mattered, how this extended to October 7, and the deep threads that bind Jews around the world. She also describes how Citizen Cafe has been a place of support and connection especially following October 7, bringing people together through language and community. 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.

On this episode of The Actual, Judith Levitan from Royal Commission Legal Aid Service explains what the Royal Commission is, how the process works, why it matters, and how Australians can make a submission if they have experienced or witnessed antisemitism or have noticed changes to social cohesion. She clarifies the role of the Royal Commission, especially in understanding how submissions help move Australia forward. For quick information and legal support, you may visit: nationallegalaid.org.au/national-services/rcasc-legal-help. You can also contact RCASC Legal Help directly: 1800 976 198 or rcasclegalhelp@nationallegalaid.org.au. 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.

In this episode of The Actual, my incredible guest is Ben Carasso - the “Spokeskid of Israel”. Ben has been representing Israeli children on the global stage since the age of 8. Now 11, Ben has led advocacy tours across 8 countries, spoken at the UN and UK Parliament, and uses his platform to share how life is for Israeli children with a foreground of war. Having lived through multiple military operations and the aftermath of October 7, Ben describes the immense ongoing trauma and fear children experience and how children's experiences are often overlooked in global conversations. He is also the force behind #RememberTheChildren, a digital memorial honoring young lives lost too soon. 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.