Australian Immigrant Heroically Tackles Gunman in Deadly Sydney Attack, Says He Would Do It Again
SYDNEY, Australia — In the wake of a devastating antisemitic terror attack that claimed at least 15 lives in Sydney, a courageous Australian immigrant who wrested a gun away from one of the shooters has expressed no regrets, affirming he would act the same way again despite being riddled with bullets. Ahmed al Ahmed, a 44-year-old Muslim father and Syrian-born Australian citizen, was critically wounded during the attack on the first day of Hanukkah, yet his resolve remains unshaken, his migration lawyer Sam Issa told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“He doesn’t regret what he did. He said he’d do it again. But the pain has started to take a toll on him,” Issa said after visiting Ahmed in a Sydney hospital on Monday night. “He’s not well at all. He’s riddled with bullets. Our hero is struggling at the moment.”
Ahmed, who arrived in Australia in 2006 and became a citizen in 2022, acted out of a deep sense of community and gratitude. “Ahmed’s a humble man, he’s not interested in coverage, he just did what he was compelled to do as a human being on that day,” Issa noted. “He gets that gratitude from being in Australia. This is his way of conveying his gratitude for staying in Australia, for being granted citizenship. He has really appreciated this community, and he felt that as a member of the community, he had to act that way and contribute.”
The attack, which targeted the Jewish community during Hanukkah celebrations, has been widely condemned as an act of “pure evil,” “antisemitism,” and “terrorism” by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The Prime Minister emphasized the deliberate targeting of the Jewish community and vowed to address the rising tide of antisemitic violence.
Jewish leaders have criticized the Australian government for failing to prevent the escalation of threats and attacks against their community. Dionne Taylor of the Australia/Israel Jewish Affairs Council described months of escalating threats culminating in deadly violence and firebombings, with families now fearful to leave their homes. Despite repeated pleas for protection, the community felt their concerns went unanswered.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns personally visited Ahmed in the hospital, underscoring the significance of his bravery during the crisis. The Premier praised Ahmed’s selfless actions in confronting the gunman, which likely saved many lives.
The incident has also drawn international attention. Israeli Knesset members and global Jewish organizations have called for more robust measures to combat antisemitism and protect vulnerable communities. The FBI’s hate crimes division has noted a global rise in antisemitic violence, emphasizing the need for coordinated law enforcement responses.
Ahmed al Ahmed’s story is a powerful reminder of individual courage in the face of terror. Despite his severe injuries, he remains steadfast in his conviction to protect others, embodying the spirit of resilience and community solidarity. As investigations continue, Australian authorities are working to enhance security measures and address the root causes of such hate-fueled violence.
Leave a Reply