Bondi terror attack hero unlocks more Keys to the City

The man who saved countless lives by neutralizing one of the gunmen during the Bondi terror attack has been officially honored for his selfless act.

Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, was presented with the Key to the City award and a lifetime beach parking permit by Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh at a ceremony on Wednesday night.

In Australia’s deadliest terrorist attack, a 10-year-old girl, Matilda, was killed when two men opened fire at the Hanukkah celebrations held at Bondi Beach on December 14.

The video captured the moment Mr Al Ahmed sneaked up behind one of the gunmen and single-handedly caught and disarmed him, slowing the attack and saving lives.

Mr Al Ahmed himself was shot twice in the arm during the incident, and Mayor Nemesh described his actions as “remarkable”.

“When the devil came to Bondi Beach, Ahmed and countless ordinary heroes did not hesitate to confront him,” Mr Nemesh said.

“His courageous actions were motivated by his desire to save innocent lives.

“His instinctive courage, willingness to put others first, and quiet courage will never be forgotten.”

Gefen Bitton, 30, who rushed to Mr Al Ahmed’s deputy and then helped confront the gunman, will also be recognized at the upcoming ceremony.

Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff, 20, who rushed to the aid of a police officer who was seriously injured during the attack, was honored at a ceremony in February.

While he was in the hospital, Al Ahmed was presented with a check for $2.5 million, collected from donations made under GoFundMe. He was also awarded the Canterbury Key to the City of Bankstown as part of the 2026 Australia Day Awards.

One of the alleged gunmen, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, remains behind bars, facing dozens of charges, including terrorism offenses and multiple murders.

Her father, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police during the alleged terror attack.