Bondi Beach terror attack hero Ahmed al Ahmed has become the first recipient of the key to the City of Canterbury Bankstown in Sydney’s south-west.
The 43-year-old was shot multiple times while wrestling a gun away from one of two men who allegedly opened fire at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring many others.
Speaking at an Australia Day awards ceremony, Ahmed said he was still recovering from his injuries, with two bullets remaining lodged in his arm more than a month after what has been described as the nation’s worst-ever terror attack.
“I didn’t expect to receive it but [it’s] something very nice and thank you for everything,” he said outside the ceremony.
Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek described Ahmed as a “true blue local hero,” saying the award was “befitting his courage.”
“This is the highest honour a city can give and it is the first time it has been presented by the City of Canterbury Bankstown,” he said.
“Congratulations and thank you Ahmed.”
At a separate Australia Day ceremony elsewhere in Sydney, Premier Chris Minns also praised Ahmed’s actions.
“I think what Ahmed’s story shows us, and this is often the case … is that some of our most patriotic Australians are the newly arrived,” he said.
“Those who’ve decided to become Australian.”
Following the Bondi terror attack, Ahmed spent two weeks in St George Hospital in Sydney’s south and underwent surgery for gunshot wounds.
Images: 9News
