U.S. President Donald Trump also publicly commended the bystander, calling his actions an extraordinary example of bravery in the face of terrorism.
By Eitan Devir, Jewish Breaking News
A bystander who intervened during the December 14 terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community in Australia has been hailed as a global hero after pouncing on one of the attackers during a mass shooting on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, actions officials say helped prevent further loss of life.
The man, identified as Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old shopkeeper and fruit seller confronted one of the gunmen after the attacker ran out of ammunition.
Al-Ahmed wrestled the weapon away, held the suspect at gunpoint, and then took cover until authorities arrived, according to officials and family members.
Ahmed was “shot four to five times,” including multiple gunshot wounds to his shoulder, with several bullets still lodged in his body, his parents said Monday.
He is currently hospitalized and recovering from his injuries.
“He saw they were dying, and people were losing their lives,” said his mother, Malakeh Hasan al-Ahmed, in an interview.
“When that guy ran out of ammo, Ahmed took it from him, but he was hit.”
His father, Mohamed Fateh al-Ahmed, said his son acted instinctively to save others. “I am so proud of my son, because he is a hero in Australia,” he said.
“When he did what he did, he wasn’t thinking about the background of the people he was saving. He would have done anything to protect anyone, regardless of their faith.”
Australian officials praised al-Ahmed’s courage, crediting his actions with helping to stop the attack.
U.S. President Donald Trump also publicly commended the bystander, calling his actions an extraordinary example of bravery in the face of terrorism.
Australian police said the two shooters—Sajid Akram, 50 and his son Naveed Akram, 24—opened fire along Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, killing 15 people and wounding 42 others, all of whom were transported to hospitals for treatment.
The Sajid Akram was killed at the scene, while Naveed sustained critical injuries. Authorities have formally declared the incident a terrorist act.
Ahmed al-Ahmed moved to Australia in 2006 from Syria, where he was born in the village of al-Nayrab in the Idlib governorate.
He is an Australian citizen, a small business owner, and the father of two young daughters, ages three and six.
As their son continues to recover, his parents said they are praying for his survival. “We pray that God saves him,” they said.
Ahmed’s actions have resonated far beyond Australia, drawing international attention as an example of selfless courage amid a brutal act of antisemitic violence.
Bystander hailed as global hero after disarming terrorist is said to be recovering appeared first on World Israel News.