A Bondi Beach hero who stopped a gunman during the nation’s worst terror attack has been recognised with the highest honour the City of Canterbury Bankstown can bestow.
Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, became the first person to receive the key to the City of Canterbury Bankstown at an Australia Day awards ceremony, more than a month after he wrestled a gun away from one of two attackers who targeted a Hanukkah celebration on 14 December.
The Syrian-Australian was shot multiple times during his intervention, which authorities say prevented further loss of life during the attack that killed 15 people and injured more than 40 others.
Taking to the stage at the ceremony, Mr al Ahmed said he still carried a “big hurt” in his body, with two bullets remaining lodged in his arm.
“I didn’t expect to receive it but [it’s] something very nice and thank you for everything,” he said outside the ceremony.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek described Mr al Ahmed as a “true blue local hero” and said the award was fitting recognition of his courage.
“This is the highest honour a city can give and it is the first time it has been presented by the City of Canterbury Bankstown,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“Congratulations and thank you Ahmed.”
At a separate Australia Day ceremony, Premier Chris Minns also praised the fruit shop owner’s actions.
“I think what Ahmed’s story shows us, and this is often the case … is that some of our most patriotic Australians are the newly arrived,” Mr Minns said.
“Those who’ve decided to become Australian.”
Following the terror attack at Bondi Beach, Mr al Ahmed spent a fortnight in St George Hospital in Sydney’s south, where he underwent surgery for gunshot wounds.
Video footage from the attack, which has been viewed millions of times globally, shows Mr al Ahmed tackling one of the gunmen and disarming him. According to reports, he was shot by the second attacker whilst intervening (NBC News, CBS News).
A GoFundMe campaign established for Mr al Ahmed raised close to $2 million from around 40,000 donors, including American billionaire hedge fund manager William Ackman (CBS News).
The 14 December attack, which occurred during the first night of Hanukkah, has been declared a terrorist incident by Australian authorities. Police identified the attackers as a father and son who were inspired by Islamic State ideology.
Published 26-January-2026
