The Hero of Bondi Beach
Friday, January 2, 2026
“That’s my soul asking me to do that.” - Ahmed al-Ahmed
Ahmed al-Ahmed is not a Christian, which means he does not have the Holy Spirit living within him. On the contrary, he is a 44-year-old Syrian-born Muslim husband and father of two who operates a tobacco shop in Sydney, Australia.
And yet, when two Islamic terrorists opened fire on a group of 1,000 Jews gathered at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, Ahmed risked his life to disarm one of the shooters. Approaching him by crouching between two parked cars, Ahmed tackled the shooter and seized his weapon before turning it on him and then propping it against a tree.
The shooter fled to a nearby bridge and recovered another weapon, which he used to shoot Ahmed five times. Fortunately, Ahmed’s injuries were not life-threatening, and he is recovering in a Sydney hospital following three rounds of surgery. However, he is not expected to regain normal function in his left arm for at least six months due to nerve damage.
Despite his injuries, Ahmed was described by orthopedic surgeon Tamer Kahil as “a humble person and a shy person as well,” who “looks happier.”
Meanwhile, the media director for the Australians for Syria Association, Lubaba Alhmidi AlKahil, described Ahmed as “very happy and very peaceful.”
Today’s opening quote is from an interview Ahmed gave to CBS News shortly after the massacre and I found it to be a very teachable moment. My friend, if an unsaved Muslim can be motivated to take bold and courageous action to save the lives of strangers – suffering multiple wounds in the process – shouldn’t we as Christians be even more bold and courageous?
And if an unsaved Muslim can be described as humble, happy, and peaceful… should not the same – and even more – be said about us as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Thanks for your courage, Ahmed, and especially for setting an example for us to follow… and hopefully, exceed as true believers.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
