Bondi Beach Hanukkah Attack Shocks Australia

On Sunday, the “Chanukah by the Sea” event at Bondi Beach turned into a nightmare when two gunmen, 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, opened fire on approximately 1,000 attendees. This horrific antisemitic attack killed at least 15 people, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a 12-year-old child, and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. Over 40 others were injured. The ages of the victims ranged from 10 to 87 years old, plunging the community into grief.

Muslim Hero Tackles Gunman Amidst Chaos

Amid the terror, a true hero emerged. Ahmed Al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, bravely rushed towards one of the shooters. According to his parents, Mr. Ahmed was having coffee nearby when he heard the gunfire. He spotted one of the gunmen behind a tree, and when the shooter briefly ran out of ammunition, Mr. Al Ahmed seized the chance. Incredible video footage, viewed millions of times globally, shows him running up and wrestling the long-barreled gun away from the attacker.

Hero Wounded, Awaiting Multiple Surgeries

Mr. Al Ahmed was shot multiple times in his shoulder during the scuffle, with several bullets still lodged deep inside, potentially striking bone. He is now awaiting multiple surgeries. His parents, Mohamed Fateh Al Ahmed and Malakeh Hasan Al Ahmed, who recently arrived from Syria after being separated from their son since 2006, called him a hero. They recounted his selfless act, saying, “He saw people were dying, and people were losing their lives.” They emphasized that Ahmed, a father of two young daughters, acted to protect everyone, regardless of their background or faith.

🇦🇺 Police Neutralize Threat, Nation Mourns

Police quickly responded to the scene, and within minutes, they neutralized the threat. Sajid Akram was killed in a shootout with police, while his son, Naveed Akram, was wounded and is in the hospital under police guard, likely facing criminal charges. The attackers’ vehicle contained explosives. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon credited the actions of Mr. Al Ahmed and other bystanders with saving lives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the scenes “shocking” and promised to introduce tougher gun laws. World leaders swiftly condemned the violence.

Family Calls for Government Support

As Ahmed Al Ahmed prepares for his surgeries, his elderly parents have appealed to Prime Minister Albanese for urgent help. They are worried they won’t be able to care for their son as he recovers, fearing his injuries may leave him disabled. They are requesting that the government facilitate travel for Ahmed’s two brothers, one in Germany and one in Russia, to come to Australia and support the family. Meanwhile, a public fundraiser set up for the heroic fruit shop owner has raised over $550,000 in just 12 hours, with support from prominent figures like Jewish investment banker Bill Ackman.