A Syrian man who disarmed a gunman during the Bondi beach terror attack has become a hero in his hometown, but now faces deportation from Australia. Ahmed al-Ahmed, 44, a father of two, emigrated from al-Nayrab in Idlib, north-west Syria, to Australia in 2007, where he worked as a shopkeeper.
On Sunday, two gunmen, alleged to be Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, attacked a Hanukah celebration on Bondi beach, killing 15 people. One of the alleged gunmen also died. Ahmed, who was trying to get a cup of coffee, crept closer using cars for cover before launching himself at one of the gunmen, disarming him and pointing the rifle at him before laying it against a tree. He received two gunshot wounds and has been in hospital since.
Video of Ahmed's selfless act quickly reached his birthplace, where locals praised his heroism. His uncle Mohammed said, 'His act is a source of pride for us and for Syria.' Another relative, Abdul Rahman al-Mohammed, added, 'We are proud of what Ahmed, the son of our village did... his act was heroic and no one else could have done it.'
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Ahmed in hospital, telling him his bravery was 'an inspiration for all Australians'. An online fundraiser for his medical bills has raised more than $2.3m. However, reports indicate that Ahmed faces deportation due to his visa status, despite his heroic actions.
Albanese said the attack proved that coexistence, not extremism, was the essence of Australian society. 'There is no place in Australia for anti-semitism. There is no place for hatred,' he said.
