A former politician has launched a campaign to see the humble hero who disarmed one of the Bondi Beach gunmen honoured as Australian of the Year. The call follows the extraordinary bravery shown by Ahmed al Ahmed during Sunday evening's horrific attack.
A Moment of Pure Heroism
The terrifying incident unfolded at a Hanukkah event on Sunday evening, where gunman Sajid Akram, 50, opened fire. The attack claimed 15 innocent lives and left up to 40 people hospitalised. Amid the chaos, 43-year-old grocer and father-of-two Ahmed al Ahmed was captured on video, which has since been viewed over 22 million times online, crouching behind a car before pouncing on Akram's back.
The pair grappled briefly before Mr Ahmed managed to wrest the rifle from the attacker and point it in his direction. This courageous act is believed to have diverted the focus of a second gunman, Akram's 24-year-old son Naveed, potentially saving many lives. The gunmen retreated to a nearby footbridge where they allegedly continued firing.
Political and Public Support for National Honour
On Monday, former Victorian MP Bernie Finn publicly called for Mr Ahmed to receive the country's top civic award. "Ahmed al Ahmed should be made Australian of the Year. What an extraordinary effort from an amazing human being," Mr Finn wrote on Facebook. His sentiment has been echoed widely across social media and the public.
Many Australians have rallied behind the idea, with comments urging a nomination campaign. "While disarming one gunman he diverted focus from the other onto himself. Definitely many lives were saved by his actions," one person noted. Another asked, "How do we nominate him for the Australian of the Year award...? It's only around the corner."
Recovery and Recognition
Ahmed al Ahmed remains in St George Hospital, where he has undergone surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hand and faces further operations. On Tuesday, he received a visit from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who later praised him as "the best of our country" and an inspiration.
"At a moment where we have seen evil perpetrated, he shines out as an example of the strength of humanity. He decided to take action and his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians. He is a very humble man," Mr Albanese stated. In a remarkable show of public support, Australians have raised more than $2 million for Mr Ahmed across several GoFundMe pages.
The national Australian of the Year for 2026 will be announced on January 26. However, with state and territory winners already named as finalists, it may present a procedural challenge for a new nomination. Despite this, the campaign to honour Ahmed al Ahmed's selfless bravery continues to gain powerful momentum.
