A Lebanese-Australian fruit shop owner is being hailed as a national hero after confronting and disarming a gunman during a terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach that left multiple casualties. Ahmed al-Ahmed, 43, sustained two gunshot wounds while courageously tackling the assailant during Saturday’s violent rampage that authorities have classified as an antisemitic terrorist act.
Eyewitness footage captured the moment al-Ahmed, who had no prior firearms training, maneuvered behind the attacker and applied a headlock before wresting the shotgun away. Despite his injuries, the civilian hero managed to aim the weapon at the retreating gunman before securing it against a tree. He was subsequently transported to a medical facility for treatment of his wounds.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised al-Ahmed’s actions as “the pinnacle of Jewish heroism,” while New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the intervention as “the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen.” Minns further stated that numerous lives were undoubtedly saved due to al-Ahmed’s bravery.
The attack occurred during the “Hanukkah by the Sea” event, resulting in emergency services transporting at least 29 victims to area hospitals. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence as a targeted antisemitic assault on the Jewish community during what should have been a joyful religious celebration. One alleged perpetrator was killed at the scene while another remains in critical condition. Law enforcement officials additionally discovered improvised explosive devices in a vehicle connected to the deceased attacker.
King Charles III, Australia’s head of state, expressed horror at what he termed “a horrific antisemitic terrorist attack against Jews.” The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full scope of the tragedy and identify all responsible parties.