A Life Reconstructed

Mandelbaum House had the unique privilege of welcoming Glenn Orgias, whose remarkable story of resilience and fortitude once captured national widespread attention—and inspired conversations here at Mandelbaum for many days to come. Mr Orgias shared his extraordinary journey following a life-altering shark attack in 2009 on Sydney’s famous Bondi beach—the first in nearly 80 years—that changed his life forever.

Perhaps most profound about this talk was what it taught residents about gratitude, perspective and human resilience. This isn’t academic knowledge, or any sort of insight that can be gleaned from a textbook: the power and profundity of Mr Orgias’ lesson originates from his lived experience alone. As Mr Orgias recounted the harrowing moments in the water—his initial shock, his panic, his overwhelming grief and the surreal realization that his life truly hung in the balance—the audience was stunned.

As he spoke, a powerful theme that emerged was the profound perspective shift Mr Orgias experienced in the aftermath of the attack. In an instant, his concerns transformed from the typical anxieties of modern life—career pressures, financial worries, social obligations—to the most fundamental human imperative: survival. The complexities of modern life dissolve into something so base yet so grand—the desire to live.

For Mandelbaum residents, many of whom find themselves caught in the stress of academic pressures and uncertain futures, this perspective offered a powerful counterpoint to our often myopic focus on achievement and success metrics. We are reminded, in short, to appreciate life for what it is.

So beyond the gripping narrative of survival, Mr Orgias’ story is a powerful reminder of human resilience and the capacity to find meaning in life’s most challenging circumstances. To me, perhaps the most inspiring part of the story came towards the end of the talk: after everything, just a few months after the attack, Glenn Orgias returned to the ocean, surfboard in tow. He refused to surrender his passion to fear.

I am reminded of Nietzsche: “he who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” Mr Orgias’ story is one of great existential resonance, not through its academic abstraction, but through his lived experience. His “why”—his love for the ocean, his commitment to reclaiming his identity, his devotion to his unborn child—proved stronger than the incredibly painful “how” of his recovery.

It is then no surprise that as our evening with Mr Orgias concluded, the resonance of his story lingered in Mandelbaum’s halls. In a world where young people are increasingly measured by grades, career trajectories, and social media metrics, his narrative cuts through to something more essential: the raw courage it takes to face life’s unpredictable challenges and the profound wisdom that can emerge from our darkest moments.

Article by: A first year Mandelbaum House resident

Photography: Tehilla Oami and  Yotam Kiper and (Mandelbaum House residents)