In the shadow of the horrific Bondi attack that claimed 15 lives, the nation's focus has turned to one remarkable figure: Ahmed al Ahmed. The Syrian-born father, who tackled the gunman despite being shot multiple times, has become a symbol of extraordinary courage. Canberra Times columnist Jenna Price, reflecting on the events of that terrible Sunday, admits she could not have acted as he did. This introspection leads to a pressing question for all Australians: how can we cultivate more everyday bravery in our society?
The Anatomy of a Hero: What Made Ahmed Act?
Ahmed al Ahmed's actions were not those of a passive bystander. He deliberately assessed the situation, waited, and then lunged at the attacker. In subsequent interviews, riddled with bullets, he expressed no regret, stating he would do it again. His parents, Mohamed Fateh Al Ahmed and Malakeh Hasan Al Ahmed, who had recently reunited with their son in Sydney after nearly two decades apart, told the ABC that their son, a father to two young girls, would always protect others. They highlighted his belief that in Australia, "there's no difference between one citizen and another"—a powerful lesson in unity.
Price contrasts this innate bravery with her own feelings of being a "wimp," a sentiment many might share. She sought answers from psychologist and author Erica Frydenberg, known for her work on coping strategies. Frydenberg suggests that heroes like Ahmed possess a unique combination of selflessness, confidence, and care, where concern for others overrides personal fear.
Building Brave Futures: Practical Steps from an Expert
Frydenberg provides a framework for fostering bravery, applicable to both personal development and raising children. The first step is to recognise and affirm existing strengths. "You've got to really identify their strengths," Frydenberg advises. This means acknowledging acts of courage, however small—whether it's speaking up, asking for help, or helping someone.
This process of affirmation builds a foundation. Frydenberg emphasises that we must "look at your own strengths and when you do something good, affirm it for yourself." This self-recognition is crucial for developing the resilience needed for greater challenges. For parents and caregivers, it's about consciously reinforcing these brave moments in young people.
The psychologist also outlines a simple, powerful mantra for action: Stop. Think. Do. She observes this process in the Bondi heroes—from Ahmed al Ahmed to Boris and Sofia Gurman, who died trying to stop the shooter, and the lifeguards who ran towards danger. It involves a conscious pause, an assessment of capability, and then decisive action. For some, the brave action might be to seek help from others, which is a strength in itself.
Bravery Beyond the Physical: Standing Up to Division
Jenna Price expands the definition of bravery beyond physical intervention. In the wake of the attack, she grapples with how to combat the hate and division that often fuels such violence. This form of courage might involve confronting harmful rhetoric online, challenging prejudice in everyday conversation, or protecting someone from harassment—like standing up to someone "monstering" another person at a polling booth.
It asks difficult questions: Would you hide someone in need? Would you engage with someone spreading conspiracy theories about the attack or historical atrocities like the Holocaust? Price questions whether such engagement is bravery or futility, but the underlying call is to active citizenship.
Frydenberg offers a vital final piece of advice for those who, like Price, blame themselves for a perceived lack of courage. "One of the least helpful coping strategies is 'self-blame'... going mad at yourself for not being brave enough is not helpful," she says. The healthier approach is to ask, "what can I do differently next time?" and to focus on learning and preparing.
The legacy of Ahmed al Ahmed and the other Bondi heroes is not just their act on one day, but the challenge it presents to every Australian. It is a call to examine our own capacities for courage, to nurture it in our communities, and to find our own way to stop, think, and do in the face of adversity, both great and small.
