Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed honoured with keys to the city of Waverley

Bondi terror attack hero Ahmed Al Ahmed has been awarded the keys to the City of Waverley in honour of risking his life during the December 14 massacre targeting a Jewish Chanukah celebration.

Mr Al Ahmed, a 43-year-old father of two, rose to national attention after confronting and disarming one of the gunmen at Archer Park, Bondi Beach, an act widely credited with helping prevent further loss of life.

Fifteen people were killed in the attack, including a 10-year-old child, with dozens of others injured.

 

Mr Al Ahmed was shot multiple times during the confrontation and later underwent several surgeries.

The honours were presented at a ceremony in Bondi Junction hosted by Waverley Council, with NSW Governor Margaret Beazley and Mayor Will Nemesh leading tributes. Also present were Waverley councillors, other survivors of the Bondi attack and Mr Al Ahmed’s family.

Mr Nemesh said Mr Al Ahmed’s actions were “a guiding light to prevail against the darkness”.

“Amid scenes of horror, Ahmed ran towards danger to save innocent people, physically disarming one of the shooters and forcing him to retreat,” he said.

“The entire Waverley community is incredibly thankful to him. These gestures we present today symbolise our never-ending gratitude.”

He described the keys to the city as the council’s highest honour and said the lifetime beach parking permit presented alongside it reflected the community’s appreciation.

“You will forever have a place within Waverley, as you personify bravery and selflessness in their truest forms,” he said.

Premier Chris Minns said in a video message that Mr Al Ahmed’s actions “showed the nation and also the world what true Australian courage looks like”.

“Without a second thought and without a sense of your own self-preservation, you put your own life at risk to save people that you’ve never met before,” he said.

Governor Beazley said the moment was one “everyone can replay in our minds”.

“How you did it, none of us know. It was courage beyond courage,” she said.

Waverley Council said the honour is rarely bestowed, with Mr Al Ahmed being only the second recipient after Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff, who was also awarded a keys to the city for his actions during the attack after being shot while assisting others.

Rabbi Lazaroff used his shirt to help stem the bleeding of a critically injured NSW Police officer at the scene and later returned to the United States for further treatment.

The recognition follows earlier honours for Mr Al Ahmed, including on January 26 when he became the first person to receive the keys to the City of Canterbury-Bankstown.

Another victim, Israeli national Gefen Bitton, who was shot while running towards the attackers, is also set to receive similar recognition from Waverley Council.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Al Ahmed said he continued to feel deep sadness about the attack.

“I feel honestly for all those lost, and still I feel sadness about Bondi and my heart cries,” he said.

He said he is often asked how he was able to run towards danger.

“If you have a heart, are an Australian and you see someone evil come to hurt your people, are you going to stand and watch?” he said.

He thanked the Bondi community for its support and said the recognition carried deep personal meaning.

“I wish peace for Australia and all around the world,” he said.