A powerful moment of community spirit transcended sport on the opening day of the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, as heroes from the Bondi Junction attack were honoured in front of a sold-out crowd.
Moving Tribute for Bondi's Bravest
The loudest cheer of the day was reserved not for the cricketers, but for a procession of everyday heroes. The emotional scene unfolded just before play began on Sunday, December 14. The crowd rose to its feet as Ahmed Al Ahmed, the Syrian-born father who helped disarm a gunman during the Bondi terror attack, walked onto the pitch with his arm in a sling, his hand placed over his heart.
He was joined by Chaya Dadon, who was shot in the leg while shielding two young children from gunfire on that tragic night. Dadon made her way onto the field on crutches, the raw emotion clear on both their faces as a thunderous, sustained ovation echoed around the iconic stadium.
First Responders and Victims Remembered
The tribute honoured the collective bravery shown during the attack. The names of the 15 victims were displayed on the stadium's big screens under the words "forever in our hearts." A group of first responders, who rushed to help often while off-duty, led the procession onto the hallowed turf.
This group included:
- Intensive care paramedics from NSW Ambulance
- Doctors from Royal Prince Alfred and St Vincent’s hospitals
- Lifesavers from Bondi and North Bondi Surf Life Saving Clubs
- Local police officers, including Detective Sergeant Cole Shanahan
- NSW SES chaplain Vladimir Kotlyar
- Registered nurse Naomi Or
Australian players Alex Carey and Cameron Green applauded respectfully as the group passed, acknowledging that the true champions of the day were not wearing cricket whites.
A Spine-Tingling Moment for All
The ground announcer addressed the crowd, stating, "Thank you everybody, thank you for sharing our gratitude for the incredible service that these individuals and many others provided." The applause was so prolonged it eventually had to be gently concluded.
Channel Seven commentators and cricket legends were deeply moved. Tim Lane called it a "magnificent pre-Test match ceremony" that was "tremendously moving." Ricky Ponting described it as "absolutely spine-tingling stuff," noting the crowd remained on its feet for minutes.
After the national anthems, the heroes were greeted by NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper and Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg. In a poignant image, retiring batter Usman Khawaja, a long-time advocate for the marginalised, warmly embraced Ahmed Al Ahmed—a moment symbolising unity and respect.
As the home Test summer concludes, the scars from the Bondi attack remain, but so does the profound gratitude of a city. The tribute at the SCG proved that the spirit of community can create the most memorable moments, far beyond the boundary rope.
