Bondi terror attack hero Ahmed Al Ahmed has given his most detailed account yet of why he chose not to return fire during the December 14 attack, despite being shot five times.
In a new interview with CNN, Ahmed appeared alongside Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, the father-in-law of the late Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was killed in the attack.
The 43-year-old father, who arrived in New York this week for further medical treatment, spoke about what was going through his mind as he confronted the gunman.
“I get five shots, it’s fine to save life. My blood for my country, Australia and for human beings around the whole world, anywhere and any place,” he said.
“I did it as a human being. I didn’t shoot him because I was doing it as humility, to stop him to kill more innocent human beings,” Ahmed told CNN.
Ahmed has been widely hailed as a national hero after footage emerged of the Syrian-born father wrestling and disarming gunman Sajid Akram during the attack at Bondi Beach, where 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured during a Chanukah by the Sea celebration.
He was shot multiple times during the confrontation, sustaining wounds to his chest, shoulder and arm.
After spending two weeks recovering in St George Hospital in Sydney’s south, Ahmed underwent several surgeries for his injuries.
During his time in hospital, more than 43,000 people donated to a GoFundMe campaign, raising $2.5 million to support his recovery.
He was presented with the cheque in his hospital bed by Canadian social media figure and campaign co-organiser Zachery Dereniowski.
Ahmed has since travelled to the United States to receive specialist treatment for his injuries. While in New York, he is also attending an exclusive Jewish community gala with Rabbi Ulman.
The pair are expected to travel from New York to Washington DC to meet dignitaries, and have visited the Ohel in Queens – the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, regarded as one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century.
Image: CNN
