A Syrian-born man who risked his life to disarm a gunman during a deadly terror attack on Sydney's Bondi beach has been hailed as a hero in both Australia and his homeland.
An Act of Extraordinary Bravery
Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 44-year-old father of two, was having lunch in the area on Sunday when two alleged gunmen opened fire on a Hanukah celebration. The attackers, reported to be 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, killed 15 people before one of them also died.
Upon hearing the gunshots, Ahmed al-Ahmed moved closer, using cars for cover. He then launched himself at one of the assailants. In a struggle captured on video, he wrestled the rifle from the gunman's grip, despite being shot at least twice in the shoulder. He successfully disarmed the attacker, pointed the weapon at him, and then laid it against a tree.
Pride from Syria to Sydney
News of his selfless act spread rapidly to his birthplace of al-Nayrab, a small, war-damaged town in the Idlib countryside of north-west Syria. His 60-year-old uncle, Mohammed, said he discovered his nephew's bravery through social media. "His act is a source of pride for us and for Syria," he told reporters, adding that it proved religion or birthplace was no barrier to heroism.
Another resident, 30-year-old Abdul Rahman al-Mohammed, praised Ahmed for saving innocent lives. "We are proud of what Ahmed, the son of our village did … his act was heroic and no one else could have done it," he said.
Ahmed, who emigrated to Australia in 2007 and now runs a fruit and vegetable shop in Sydney, has become a symbol of courage. In a video from his hospital bed, he greeted relatives in Arabic, saying, "What can I say? I have passed through a very difficult phase, but thank God for everything."
Prime Minister's Visit and National Response
Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, visited Ahmed in hospital, shaking his hand and telling him his "bravery is an inspiration for all Australians." An online fundraiser for his medical bills has received astonishing support, amassing over £1.2 million in donations from around the world.
Albanese stated that the attack, allegedly carried out by a father and son who had undergone military training in a militant hotspot in the southern Philippines, appeared to be "motivated by Islamic State ideology." He emphasised that Ahmed's actions demonstrated the true essence of Australian society. "At the best of times, what we see is Australians coming together," the PM said. "There is no place in Australia for anti-semitism. There is no place for hatred."
The incident has sparked a global conversation about courage and coexistence, with Ahmed al-Ahmed's story transcending borders and uniting communities in admiration.
