Ahmed Al Ahmed, a Syrian Muslim father of two, is being hailed a hero after risking his life to disarm one of the attackers during a deadly shooting at a Jewish holiday event in Australia.
The mass shooting took place on Sunday during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, leaving at least 16 people dead and 38 others hospitalised.
The family of Al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, has spoken out, praising his extraordinary courage.
According to police, two gunmen — a 50-year-old and his 24-year-old son — opened fire on the crowd.
Verified footage circulated on social media shows Al-Ahmed crouching behind a parked car before charging at the shooter from behind. He wrestled the rifle away from the attacker and pointed it at him, forcing the gunman to the ground.
During the attack, Al-Ahmed was shot multiple times. He remains in critical but stable condition at St George Hospital in Sydney.
Since the attack, Al-Ahmed has gained international recognition for his bravery. A GoFundMe campaign established in his support raised more than A$1.3 million within 24 hours.
“A source of pride for all Syrians and Muslims”
His parents, Mohamed Fateh and Malakeh Hasan Al-Ahmed, told ABC News that he was shot four to five times in the shoulder and is awaiting further surgery.
“He saw they were dying, and people were losing their lives, and when that guy [the shooter] ran out of ammo, he took it from him, but he was hit,” said his mother. “We pray that God saves him.”
Ahmed’s uncle, Muhammad Ahmed Al-Ahmed, said his nephew is “a source of pride for all Syrians and Muslims.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described Al-Ahmed as a “real-life hero.”
“His incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk,” he wrote on X.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed those sentiments, stating that Al-Ahmed’s actions saved lives.
“What we’ve seen in the last 24 hours was the worst of humanity in a terrorist act. But we also saw an example of the best of humanity in Ahmed al-Ahmed running towards danger, putting his own life at risk,” Albanese told ABC.
Image credit: Chris Minns X
