The man who helped stop one of the alleged attackers during the December 14 Bondi terror attack has revealed the full extent of the injuries he suffered – and the emotional toll that has followed – as Australians continue to hail his bravery.
Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who was filmed wrestling a gun from the hands of alleged shooter Sajid Akram, has shared that he may never regain movement in his hand after being shot multiple times during the attack.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday night, Mr Al-Ahmed said he lives with constant pain and uncertainty as he recovers, revealing that two bullets remain lodged in his body and that doctors have warned he could permanently lose the use of his hand.
“They forget that I was shot five times, and two bullets are still in my body. I live with that pain day and night,” he wrote.
“What is even harder is that I still cannot move my hand or fingers. Doctors have told me that I may lose movement in my hand forever.”
Mr Al-Ahmed said he feels deep sadness when he encounters negative comments online about the support and assistance he has received since footage of his actions went viral.
“So what money or honour can ever equal this loss?” he asked.
“Is there anyone among these negative people who would be willing to give up their hand for money and give me my hand back the way it was?”
Despite the life-altering injuries, Mr Al-Ahmed made it clear he has no regrets about stepping in during the attack, saying his actions were guided by his values and sense of humanity.
“For me, I don’t care about what I lost if innocent people were saved,” he wrote. “If the price of saving lives was losing my hand, then I see my loss as a victory, not a defeat.”
His post prompted an outpouring of support from the public, with messages praising his courage, selflessness and strength, and urging him to ignore criticism and focus on his recovery.
Mr Al-Ahmed has since been formally recognised for his actions, receiving the Keys to the City and being honoured alongside fellow Bondi heroes Gefen Bitton and Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff at a Waverley Council meeting.
He has also received significant support to help cover ongoing medical costs, including a $100,000 donation to his GoFundMe campaign from US billionaire Bill Ackman.
As his recovery continues, Mr Al-Ahmed’s words have resonated with many Australians, not as a statement of loss, but as a powerful reminder of courage, compassion and the true cost of standing up for others when it matters most.
Images: Instagram
