A fruit shop owner has been hailed a hero after he tackled a gunman and disarmed him during a deadly antisemitic attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday. Ahmed al-Ahmed, a father-of-two, intervened as a gunman opened fire on a crowd celebrating Hanukkah, an act captured on video and widely shared online.

Witnesses described Mr. al-Ahmed asking his cousin to pass a final message to his family before he made his move. He reportedly told his cousin, “I’m going to die – please see my family [and tell them] that I went down to save people’s lives.” He then proceeded to confront one of the attackers, wrestling the weapon away from him.

Mr. al-Ahmed is currently in hospital recovering from bullet wounds to his arm and hand. His father, Mohamed Fateh al-Ahmed, expressed immense pride in his son’s courageous actions, calling him a “hero of Australia.” He explained that his son, who previously served in the police and central security forces, acted instinctively to protect others when he saw people injured and bleeding.

“My son is a hero, he served with the police and in the central security forces, and he has the impulse to protect people,” his father stated. “When he saw people lying on the ground, and the blood everywhere, immediately his conscience and his soul compelled him to pounce on one of the terrorists and to rid him of his weapon.”

Mr. al-Ahmed’s family emigrated from Syria to Australia in 2006, with his parents having recently arrived in the country after years of separation. His lawyer, Sam Issa, visited him in hospital and reported that despite his injuries, Mr. al-Ahmed said he would repeat his actions. However, he is reportedly struggling with the pain and his condition is serious.

New South Wales Police have confirmed that 16 people died in the attack, including one of the suspected gunmen. The two assailants have been identified as Sajid and Naveed Akram, a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son. Sajid was killed by police at the scene, while Naveed, who sustained injuries, is expected to survive and face charges.

Authorities have classified the mass shooting as a terrorist incident specifically targeting the Jewish community. The attack occurred at Campbell Parade as people gathered for the start of Hanukkah celebrations. Approximately 40 other individuals are receiving treatment for serious injuries, including two police officers.

Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, described the attack as a manifestation of “some of our worst fears about terrorism.” He lauded Mr. al-Ahmed’s bravery, calling the footage of him disarming the gunman “unbelievable” and a testament to his selflessness in risking his own life to save others.

Mr. al-Ahmed’s mother, Malakeh Hasan al-Ahmed, shared her pride in her son’s “do-gooder” nature. “I’m proud that my son was helping people. He saved lives, souls. God would not harm him because he was a do-gooder,” she said. She recounted how he saw people dying and acted when the gunman ran out of ammunition, resulting in him being shot.

Despite the harrowing circumstances and the physical toll, Mr. al-Ahmed’s actions have resonated deeply, highlighting an extraordinary act of courage amidst tragedy. The incident has prompted discussions about security and the bravery of ordinary citizens in extraordinary times.

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Keywords: Bondi Beach shooting, Ahmed al-Ahmed, Sydney attack, hero fruit seller, antisemitic terrorism, disarmament, Australian hero, Hanukkah celebration