A Syrian-born man hailed as a hero for his actions during the deadly Bondi Beach massacre has arrived in the United States as a special guest of honour at a major Jewish charity event in New York City.
A Hero's Welcome in the Big Apple
Ahmed Al Ahmed, who was seriously wounded while disarming gunman Sajid Akram during the Hanukkah attack in December, touched down in the US this week. His first major engagement is the annual Colel Chabad awards gala dinner in New York on Wednesday night, where he will be celebrated alongside Sydney Rabbi Yehoram Ulman.
The gala raises crucial funds for vulnerable families in Israel, with individual tickets starting at $1,000 (approximately £790). Event organisers have extended the invitation to Mr Al Ahmed in direct recognition of his courageous intervention on December 14, when he tackled and restrained Akram before police shot the attacker dead.
Journey of Recovery and Recognition
The trip, understood to have been funded by the charity, included business-class flights from Australia and accommodation in New York. A well-placed source revealed the visit was planned late last year, shortly after Mr Al Ahmed was discharged from hospital, though he was initially concerned about facing a New York winter without appropriate clothing.
Upon arrival on Tuesday, the Muslim hero received a warm welcome from FBI officers. In a poignant gesture ahead of the gala, he was photographed wearing a kippah—a Jewish religious skullcap—while meeting with community leaders.
Mr Al Ahmed has previously stated on Instagram that he is travelling to begin a "treatment journey," though the specific nature of this treatment remains private. He asked his followers for their prayers, captioning a video: "On my way to start my treatment journey in the United States. I kindly ask everyone to keep me in their prayers."
Aftermath of the Bondi Beach Tragedy
The attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, which was inspired by Islamic State, resulted in the deaths of fifteen people, including 10-year-old Matilda Bee. Six people remain in hospital. In the wake of the massacre, world leaders, including former US President Donald Trump, publicly praised Mr Al Ahmed's bravery.
While recovering, the hero sold his Sydney tobacco shop and received a cheque for $2.5 million following a massive public fundraising effort to support his recovery and acknowledge his courage.
His US itinerary also included a visit to the Ohel in Queens, the resting place of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, with further meetings scheduled in New York and Washington, D.C. Mr Al Ahmed, a Syrian national living in Australia, travelled under strict US travel restrictions that apply to Syrians, with exemptions granted based on visa status and purpose.
His media representative, Ian Robertson, confirmed the travel last week and stated that Mr Al Ahmed would not be conducting interviews during his time in the US due to health concerns and stress.
