In a powerful and emotional ceremony in New York, Syrian refugee and Bondi Junction hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed was presented with a substantial gold menorah by billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman. The presentation took place at the lavish Colel Chabad Gala, a $1,000-a-head dinner held on Wednesday night, where Al-Ahmed received a sustained three-minute standing ovation.
A Night of Recognition and Gratitude
Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who was shot five times on December 14 while confronting a knife-wielding attacker at a Bondi shopping centre, took to the stage with his injured arm still in a sling. The audience's prolonged applause reflected the profound gratitude for his selfless act, which helped save others during the rampage. Ackman, visibly moved, addressed the crowd to explain his deep admiration for Al-Ahmed's bravery.
The billionaire, who had previously made a donation of $99,999 to Al-Ahmed's GoFundMe campaign following the attack, spoke of the moment he first saw social media videos of the incident. He described footage that "just seemed to go on and on" until a clip showed a lone figure stepping forward as others fled. "He could have minded his own business. No one would ever know that he chose not to intervene," Ackman stated.
The Meaning Behind the Gift: 'Light Will Win'
Ackman then presented Al-Ahmed with the ornate gold menorah, an item inscribed with the words 'Light Will Win'. He elaborated on the symbolism of the gift to the assembled guests. "The menorah represented endurance, represented courage, represented persistence and, most of all, represented life and light in the darkness. And this man deserved this," Ackman declared.
He placed Al-Ahmed's actions in a special category of heroism, particularly poignant for the Jewish community. "[Jews] are 0.2 per cent of the world. So seeing someone step forward on behalf of people he didn't know, to risk his own life... is really one of the great acts of heroism," Ackman said, his voice choking with emotion. "It was very reaffirming to the Jewish community to have someone stand up on behalf of our community in the most profound, life-affirming way."
An Act Defying Explanation
For his part, Ahmed Al-Ahmed reflected on the instinct that drove him to confront the attacker, an impulse that remains difficult to fully rationalise. "I think it was holy, and the miracle that's from God," he said of his decision.
Ackman concluded his tribute by emphasising the extraordinary nature of Al-Ahmed's courage. "In the hierarchy of heroes, a person that was willing to risk his own life for the benefit of people that he did not know, where he took on someone who was armed with a weapon and he had none, was an amazing thing," he said. The evening served as a stark reminder of the impact of individual bravery and the powerful symbols that can honour it.
