Bondi attack survivor Ahmed Al-Ahmed has suffered another cruel blow on his long road to recovery, falling ill during a visit to the United States where he had travelled for further medical care.
The 43-year-old Syrian-born Sydneysider, hailed internationally for his bravery during the deadly Bondi attack last December, flew to New York recently amid optimism that he was only months away from a full recovery. Instead, he was forced to cancel engagements after being struck by sudden pain and swelling in his hand.
Mr Al-Ahmed was shot five times while confronting alleged gunman Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, during the December 12 attack, which claimed 15 lives and left dozens more injured. His actions, carried out as others fled, saw him celebrated as a hero around the world.
Since arriving in the US, Mr Al-Ahmed has appeared on multiple television programs, attended a high-profile Jewish gala dinner, and met with Australia’s Ambassador to the United States and former prime minister Kevin Rudd. He was preparing for further treatment in New York when his condition unexpectedly deteriorated.
A video posted to his Instagram on Saturday night showed Mr Al-Ahmed resting in his hotel bed, surrounded by visitors who came to check on him despite his cancelled meetings.
“My health has declined again,” he wrote. “When the pain returns after the medicine wears off, I feel discouraged. But when I remember that I did what I did to protect innocent people and that so many people love me and are wishing for my recovery, I feel hope, optimism and joy.”
He also expressed gratitude to those who visited him regardless of his illness.
“Despite that, they came with such kindness and respect to check on me in my modest hotel room, just to make sure I was okay,” he said, thanking supporters around the world and asking to be remembered in their prayers.
Only hours earlier, Mr Al-Ahmed had shared footage of his meeting with Rudd, describing it as a great honour. During their conversation, he told the former prime minister that doctors believed he was just months away from making a full recovery.
“You did an extraordinary thing, my friend,” Rudd told him. “Your image went across the world. We love you for it.”
Images: Instagram
