Bondi Hero Ahmed al-Ahmed’s Recovery and Calls for Family’s Citizenship
A remarkable recovery is underway for Ahmed al-Ahmed,the 44-year-old shopkeeper who bravely confronted the gunman during the tragic Bondi beach attack,with community members indicating he may soon be discharged from hospital. The incident, a terrorist act targeting a Hanukkah event, left 15 dead and al-Ahmed with five gunshot wounds, but his heroic actions are being hailed as a pivotal moment in preventing further loss of life.
Al-ahmed underwent three rounds of surgery at a Sydney hospital,where his wounds were meticulously cleaned and cleared of shrapnel,according to Tamer Kahil,a member of Sydney’s Syrian community and an orthopaedic surgeon who has visited the recovering hero. “He is improving and woudl problably soon be able to be discharged,” Kahil stated, adding that al-Ahmed “looks happier” and possesses a “humble” and “shy” demeanor.
the harrowing events unfolded as al-Ahmed was enjoying coffee with his cousin when Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed, allegedly opened fire. Mobile phone footage reveals al-Ahmed’s remarkable bravery: creeping towards Akram, disarming him, and pinning the rifle against a tree before being struck by five bullets in his left arm and shoulder.
While his physical recovery is progressing,the long-term impact of his injuries remains a concern. Lubaba Alhmidi AlKahil,the media director for the Australians for Syria Association,explained that al-Ahmed’s left arm is not expected to regain full function for at least six months due to nerve damage. Consequently, a return to his tobacco shop in Sutherland is unlikely in the near future.”He needs to get rest, he needs to spend time with his family, he has been away from his wife and daughters for a long time,” AlKahil emphasized.
The outpouring of support for al-Ahmed has been immense. Hundreds of notes and flowers adorn his shop, and he has received visits from dignitaries including the prime minister, the NSW premier, the Australian governor general, and David Ossip, president of NSW’s Jewish Board of Deputies, who lauded al-Ahmed’s “amazing bravery” at a recent vigil. His father, Mohamed Fateh al-Ahmed, attended the vigil and was embraced by members of the Jewish community, receiving a standing ovation.
The al-Ahmed family’s situation has also brought their immigration status into focus. Ahmed’s parents, Malakeh Hasan al-Ahmed and mohamed Fateh al-Ahmed, have been visiting from Syria for the past three months, and Ahmed’s former migration lawyer, Sam Issa, has publicly called for them to be granted Australian citizenship. As of Tuesday, the government had not yet responded to this request.
Australians and supporters worldwide have demonstrated their gratitude through a GoFundMe campaign, raising an astonishing $2.5 million to support al-Ahmed’s recovery. When presented with the symbolic cheque, al-ahmed humbly questioned, “I deserve it?”
AlKahil believes the experience, coupled with the newfound fame and financial security, will fundamentally alter al-Ahmed’s life. “Now he is a very famous person,” she said. “He has a fortune. He needs to think a lot about what is next step in his life while they surround him with all love and care they can.” The prime minister has announced a new honours list for the heroes of Bondi, and AlKahil anticipates that al-ahmed’s extraordinar
