Waverley honours Ahmed al-Ahmed with key to city
Al-Ahmed was recognised for his significant bravery during the terrorist massacre on December 14, when he wrestled a gun from one of the alleged shooters
Waverley Council on Wednesday evening honoured Bondi Beach hero Ahmed al-Ahmed with a key to the city.
It came a day after Council passed a motion on Tuesday night to host a community Shabbat dinner at the Bondi Pavilion courtyard in partnership with the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
Al-Ahmed was recognised for his significant bravery during the terrorist massacre on December 14, when he wrestled a gun from one of the alleged shooters, slowing down the attack and undoubtedly saving countless lives. He was shot and seriously injured in the course of his valiant efforts.
“Amid scenes of unthinkable horror, Ahmed ran towards grave danger to save countless innocent people, physically disarming one of the shooters and forcing him to retreat,” Waverley mayor Will Nemesh said. “The entire Waverley community is incredibly thankful to him.”
Accepting the commendation, al-Ahmed said he is often asked how he summon the bravery to act. “If you have a heart, are Australian and you see someone evil come to hurt your people, are you going to stand and look?,” he asked.
NSW Governor Margaret Beazley said of al-Ahmed’s actions, “How you did it, none of us know. It was courage beyond courage.”
In a video message, Premier Chris Minns said al-Ahmed’s actions “showed the nation and also the world what true Australian courage looks like”.
“Without a second thought and without a sense of your own self-preservation, you put your own life at risk to save people that you’ve never met before,” he said.
Al-Ahmed was also presented with a lifetime beach pass.
At council’s meeting on Tuesday, the motion was passed to hold a community Shabbat dinner, said it would provide “an opportunity for collective healing” following the terror attack.
The motion, put forward by Nemesh and deputy mayor Keri Spooner, stated the dinner would “demonstrate our resilience following the tragic events”.
Officers will prepare a report for the April council meeting outlining the format, budget, grant funding and sponsorship for the Shabbat dinner.
The motion said hosting a Shabbat dinner at Bondi Beach is “a meaningful opportunity to bring our community together through one of Judaism’s most enduring traditions”.
In February, Leibel Lazaroff, a 20-year-old rabbi from Texas who sustained gunshot wounds while coming to the aid of seriously injured NSW Police Constable Scott Dyson, was also presented with a key to the city.
At a February council meeting, councillors lit 15 candles in honour of the victims, with the gallery reserved for family members and survivors. The meeting also heard a petition with over 22,000 signatures calling for Bondi Park Playground to be renamed Matilda Bee Playground in honour of 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the attack.
Council is also investigating options for the future of the northern pedestrian bridge used by the alleged shooters during the attack. A 2024 report concluded the heritage-listed bridge was nearing the end of its useful life, with the replacement potentially forming part of future discussions about a permanent memorial.