Ahmed al Ahmed, who risked his life by wresting a gun from an attacker during a deadly mass shooting in Australia, has become a source of pride in his hometown in Syria. His act is a source of pride for us and for Syria, said his uncle Mohammed, a 60 year old farmer, speaking from the town of Al Nayrab. Ahmed, a fruit seller and father of two, emigrated to Australia from Syria in 2007, Mohammed said. On Sunday, the 44 year old intervened during an attack on a gathering marking the start of Hanukkah, confronting the gunman and attempting to stop the violence. Fifteen people were killed in the attack. Ahmed was shot several times in the shoulder during the struggle but survived, later being hailed as a hero for his actions.
I suspected that it was my nephew, so I called his father, and he confirmed to me that Ahmed was the one who took the weapon, Mohammed said. Footage of the attack showed Ahmed ducking between parked cars as gunfire erupted before confronting one of the assailants and wrestling the gun from his hands. This incident caused a global sensation, Mohammed said. He is from Syria, and he is a Muslim, and he had no motivation for doing this other than heroism and bravery. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told national broadcaster ABC that the attack appeared to be motivated by Islamic State ideology. During a visit to Ahmed in hospital, Albanese praised his actions, saying his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians. An online fundraiser has since raised more than A 1.9 million (1.2 million) to help cover Ahmed’s medical expenses.
Brave
According to Mohammed, Ahmed left Al Nayrab for Australia in 2007, initially working in construction before opening a fruit and vegetable shop in Sydney. His parents travelled to Australia more than two months ago and were still there at the time of the attack. Back in Al Nayrab, a town that endured heavy bombardment during Syria’s war, Ahmed’s grandmother prayed for him in her modest home. May God be pleased with him and grant him success, she said. Al Nayrab lies in Idlib province, much of which fell out of the control of ruler Bashar al Assad early in the conflict. As residents now rebuild their homes following Assad’s ouster in 2024, Ahmed’s name was on everyone’s lips. His own home, however, stands abandoned, with no doors or windows and a roof still scarred by bombing.