Ahmed al-Ahmed, Bondi Beach hero who took down shooter, honoured before final Ashes Test in Sydney

Ahmed al-Ahmed, the man who bravely stopped a shooter during the deadly Bondi Beach attack, was honoured in front of thousands of people at the Sydney Cricket Ground before the final Ashes Test match between Australia and England. The emotional moment took place on Sunday evening and received loud cheers and applause from a packed stadium.

Ahmed al-Ahmed, an Australian citizen of Syrian origin, became a national hero after he tackled one of the shooters during the Bondi Beach shooting last month. The attack happened during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, when thousands of people had gathered at the popular beach. The shooting claimed the lives of 15 people and left many others injured. It is considered one of the worst mass shootings in Australia’s recent history.

Before the cricket match began, players from both the Australian and English teams lined up on the field to pay respect to emergency service workers and civilians who risked their lives to help others during the attack. As the names of the responders were announced, the crowd stood in silence and then broke into applause. The loudest cheer was reserved for Ahmed al-Ahmed.

Honoured at the Sydney Cricket Ground

Ahmed al-Ahmed walked onto the field with other responders, his left arm still in a sling from injuries he suffered during the attack. Despite his visible injuries, he smiled and waved as the crowd applauded him. The moment was deeply emotional, with many people in the stands standing on their feet to honour his courage.

He was joined by 14-year-old Chaya Dadon, who was also injured in the shooting. Chaya was shot in the leg while trying to protect two younger children from the gunfire. She arrived at the stadium on crutches and received a warm and heartfelt welcome from the crowd. Her bravery, despite her young age, touched many hearts.

Australian cricketers Alex Carey and Cameron Green were among the players who openly applauded Ahmed and Chaya. England’s players also joined in showing their respect. The scene showed how sports can bring people together to honour courage, humanity, and selfless acts beyond the game.

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The tribute was not just for Ahmed and Chaya, but for all emergency workers, police officers, medical teams, and ordinary citizens who rushed to help during the terrifying moments of the attack. Many of them risked their own lives to save others, showing great strength and unity in a time of fear.

The bravery that saved lives

The Bondi Beach shooting took place on December 14, when two shooters, identified as Sajid and Naveed Akram, opened fire on the large crowd. Panic spread quickly as people tried to run for safety. In the middle of the chaos, Ahmed al-Ahmed made a life-changing decision.

Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, was having lunch nearby when the shooting started. Without thinking about his own safety, he ran toward one of the shooters. He tackled the armed man, struggled with him, and managed to snatch the gun away. His brave action stopped the shooter from causing further harm and likely saved many lives.

The entire act was caught on camera and quickly spread across social media. People across Australia and around the world praised Ahmed for his courage. Many called him a true hero who showed extraordinary bravery in an extremely dangerous situation.

Ahmed was injured during the struggle and was later hospitalised. Despite his injuries, he remained humble and focused on the lives that were saved rather than the attention he received. His actions became a symbol of courage and unity in Australia.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Ahmed’s bravery and described his actions as an example of “Australians coming together” in the face of tragedy. He said Ahmed’s courage reflected the values of kindness and strength that define the country.

International leaders also recognised Ahmed’s bravery. US President Donald Trump praised him, calling him a “very, very brave person” who directly confronted a shooter and saved many lives. Such global recognition highlighted the impact of Ahmed’s actions beyond Australia.

Ahmed al-Ahmed moved to Australia in 2006 and has since built a life as a small business owner. His story has inspired many people and sparked conversations about courage, responsibility, and the power of ordinary people to make a difference in extraordinary situations.

The honour at the Sydney Cricket Ground was a powerful reminder of the human spirit. As the crowd applauded and the players stood in respect, the moment showed that bravery is not limited to uniforms or titles. Sometimes, heroes are everyday people who step forward when it matters most.