January 7, 2026 — 11:40am
Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed has travelled to the US for medical treatment, with an escort team from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and will attend a Jewish event in New York on Wednesday night.
The Sydney tobacco shop owner, who was shot twice after disarming a gunman during the December 14 Bondi Beach massacre, will be joined by Bondi Rabbi Yehoram Ulman at the reception dinner in New York which invites guests to “hear firsthand what courage and moral clarity look like in real time”.
Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed with an FBI escort at Los Angeles airport.Ahmed al Ahmed
Ahmed received a standing ovation at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday when he was introduced on the field before the Ashes Test alongside first responders and 14-year-old Chaya Dadon, who shielded two young children with her body during the attack.
Ahmed, his arm still in a sling after two weeks of treatment at St George Hospital, documented his trip to the US on Instagram.
“On my way to start my treatment journey in the United States,” he wrote. “I kindly ask everyone to keep me in their prayers. Thank you for your love and support.”
“It is a long journey, but a necessary one. We ask God for success and guidance. Your prayers,” he wrote on a separate post.
“A special thanks to the FBI for their warm welcome, outstanding protection, and genuine care. Your professionalism and support are truly appreciated,” he wrote below an image of himself with agents at Los Angeles airport.
He is due to attend the annual Colel Chabad awards gala dinner on Wednesday – a charity event where individual tickets start at $US1000 ($1485).
Ahmed, who is Muslim, wore a yarmulke – a Jewish skullcap worn as a sign of reverence for God – in a photo of him talking to Jewish leaders before the event.
Ahmed al Ahmed with Jewish community leaders.Lubavitch.com
“We are honoured to welcome Rabbi Yehoram Ulman of Chabad of Bondi, together with Ahmed (Ahamad) al Ahmed, who intervened unarmed during the Chanukah Menorah lighting attack in Sydney, risking his own life to stop the attacker,” the organisers said.
“Both will be joining us in person. This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand what courage and moral clarity look like in real time.
“Stand together, Jews and friends of the Jewish people, against hatred and terror, affirming that decent people do not stay silent.
“Draw strength from Rabbi Ulman, a major rabbinic leader who has guided his community through this tragedy and its aftermath with resilience, faith, and resolve.”
There are currently six patients still in hospital following the Islamic State-inspired attack by two gunmen on a Jewish Hanukkah event next to the beach which killed 15 people and wounded 39.
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