Syrian refugee Ahmed al-Ahmed honoured in New York for heroism during December Bondi Beach mass shooting

NEW YORK: Ahmed Al-Ahmed, the Syrian refugee who confronted an armed attacker during last month’s deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia, was honoured at a Chabad charity gala in New York City on Wednesday (7 Jan), where he said his actions were driven by a simple sense of human duty.

Speaking to reporters at the annual Colel Chabad gala in Midtown Manhattan, Al-Ahmed downplayed being labelled a hero, saying he acted instinctively to protect others when gunfire erupted at the Bondi Beach event on 14 Dec.

Injured while disarming gunman

The 43-year-old shopkeeper was shot five times while tackling one of the attackers — described as a father-and-son pair — who opened fire on the gathering marking the first night of Hanukkah.

At least 15 people were killed and 40 others wounded in the attack.

Al-Ahmed managed to wrestle a shotgun from one of the gunmen after approaching him from behind, later pointing the weapon away from the crowd.

He said he felt “very proud” when people acknowledged his actions, but stressed that he did not act for recognition.

Ongoing recovery

Appearing at the gala wearing a yarmulke and with his arm in a sling, Al-Ahmed said he had lost some use of his fingers as a result of his injuries and was continuing his recovery.

Doctors have advised that it could take one to two months before movement returns, he said, adding that he remained optimistic despite ongoing pain.

Standing ovation and visit to Jewish sites

Al-Ahmed received a standing ovation when he was introduced on stage by Rabbi Yehoram Ulman of Chabad of Bondi, whose family was directly affected by the attack.

He travelled to New York earlier in the week to meet Jewish community leaders and visited the Ohel Chabad Lubavitch in Queens, the gravesite of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson.

Several gala attendees, including people who lost relatives in the attack, expressed gratitude for his actions.