Ahmed al Ahmed, the man hailed as a hero for his actions during the Bondi Junction terror attack, has declared he "spilled my blood for Australia and for humanity" and insists he would have shown the same courage anywhere on earth.
From Sydney shopkeeper to international hero
The 43-year-old Syrian-born shopkeeper is currently in the United States seeking a second opinion on the injuries he sustained during the horrific massacre on December 14. The attack, an anti-Semitic rampage, left 15 people dead and dozens more injured.
Al Ahmed was thrust into the international spotlight after he leapt from behind a parked car to confront the alleged gunmen. In a now-famous act of bravery, he managed to wrestle a firearm from one of the suspects, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, in an effort to limit the carnage.
"My target was just to take the gun and to stop him, not shoot him, not doing something else," al Ahmed explained in a recent interview.
Shot five times in the act of disarming attacker
During the struggle, al Ahmed was shot five times. It is alleged the shots were fired by Akram's son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram. Despite the severe injuries, al Ahmed's intervention was crucial.
"I get five shots. It's fine. It's to save lives, my blood for my country Australia and for human beings around the whole world anywhere and any place," he stated resolutely.
Discharged from hospital just over a week ago, al Ahmed has now travelled to New York for further medical consultation. Speaking from Manhattan, where he was a guest of honour at a Jewish fundraising gala, he reflected on his motives.
"I spilled my blood for Australia and for humanity, for all innocent human beings, and I would do it anywhere in the world," he told reporters.
A permanent home for heroes
In the wake of the attack, another act of kindness has emerged. Gefen Bitton, who raced to support al Ahmed during the chaos, has been granted permanent residency in Australia.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke personally delivered the news, visiting Bitton in hospital. "I met with him at St Vincent's Hospital and while I was there, I made him a permanent resident of Australia," Burke said.
"Of all the things he is now dealing with, at least this gives him one less challenge to worry about. I told him Australia is a better place with him here and he is welcome to continue to come here for the rest of his life."
Al Ahmed, who credits his family for teaching him to help those in need, also expressed admiration for former US President Donald Trump when asked about a potential meeting. "I wish. He's a hero, of course, of the world. I love him. He's a strong man," he said.
His story continues to resonate as a powerful testament to selfless courage in the face of pure evil.
