Ahmed Al Ahmed, the Australian Muslim whose heroic actions disarming one of the alleged Bondi Beach terrorists went viral, has received multiple honours during his whirlwind trip to the United States.
Al Ahmed was honoured at a Jewish gathering, presented with a police medal, met Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Australian Ambassador to the U.S. Kevin Rudd.
Video of Al Ahmed’s actions during the Dec. 14 Bondi Beach terror attack went viral where he can be seen sneaking up on the older of the two gunmen, Sajid Akram, rushing up to him from the side, and then grabbing his gun and disarming him.
Akram stumbled backwards and fell before retreating to the footbridge where he son was stationed firing at a Jewish Hannukah celebration.
The 44-year-old tobacco shop owner arrived in the United States this week to undergo specialist procedures after being shot five times during the terrorist incident, which claimed 15 lives and saw 40 others injured.
Honoured by New York Jewish Community
Al Ahmed attended the Colel Chabad International Awards Gala in New York City, where he was honoured with the presentation of a Jewish menorah encased in glass.
The award was given by Jewish American billionaire Bill Ackman, who also donated heavily to a GoFundMe for Al Ahmed.
“He could mind his own business, no one would ever know that he chose not to intervene,” Ackman told the crowd.
“When he takes on someone who is armed with a weapon and he has a gun—so he’s prepared to give up his life.”
Ackman became visibly emotional, as Al Ahmed, who still nurses an arm in a sling, offered comfort.
“The menorah represents endurance, represents courage, represents persistence and most of all represents light,” Ackman said, as he handed over the award to Al Ahmed, who wore the traditional Jewish kippah.
The presentation was met with loud applause.
Ahmed then took to the microphone as he shared an embrace with Sydney Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, the father-in-law of murdered Rabbi Eli Schlanger.
Rabbi Ulman’s daughter and grandchild were also wounded in the attack.
“I did my best to save lives,” Al Ahmed said.
Al Ahmed Meets with Ambassador, Democrat Senator Schumer
Al Ahmed described it as a “great honour” while meeting with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Australian Ambassador Rudd.Schumer thanked Al Ahmed for his bravery and praised him for being a hero and “bringing us together, not apart. And that is so important.”
Rudd spoke to Al Ahmed asking, “How are you mate, how is it?” pointing to Al Ahmed’s arm resting in a sling.
“It’s all right,” Al Ahmed answered, explaining doctors had told him recovery would take time. “It will recover, fingers are not moving, but they have feeling”
“I’m proud what I did to save human beings, Australia is the best country in the world.”
Rudd praised Al Ahmed.
“You did an extraordinary thing and we love you for it ... we love you,” Rudd said.
Later, House Speaker Mike Johnson also met with the Sydney hero.
Police Honour Al Ahmed
In a social media post, Al Ahmed revealed he had received a “New York’s finest“ medal from the City of New York Police Department.“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the American police for this prestigious medal an the wonderful honour bestowed upon me,” he said.
“I am truly humbled and deeply appreciative of this recognition.”
