Bondi Hero and Rabbi Pray at Rebbe's Ohel: Ahmed al-Ahmed Meets Chabad Leader

In the aftermath of the devastating Bondi massacre that shook Sydney’s Jewish community, an extraordinary bond has formed between a Syrian born Muslim hero and a prominent Chabad rabbi. This morning, Ahmed al-Ahmed, who risked his life to stop a terrorist during a Hanukkah celebration, joined Rabbi Yehoram Ulman of Chabad of Bondi at the Ohel in Queens, New York. The Ohel is the sacred resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and the two men visited the site to offer prayers for humanity and to express gratitude for the lives saved during the horrific attack on December 14th.

Ahmed al-Ahmed, 43, was at Archer Park for coffee when the peace of the Hanukkah event was shattered by gunfire. Without hesitation, the Syrian immigrant charged the terrorist from behind, engaging in a desperate struggle for the weapon. Despite being shot five times during the melee, Ahmed successfully wrestled the rifle away, an act that prevented further bloodshed. Speaking during his recovery, Ahmed attributed his bravery to a higher power, stating simply, "G-d gave me courage." He has maintained that he was placed at the scene for a reason, specifically to protect the innocent people gathered there.

The tragedy hit Rabbi Yehoram Ulman’s congregation with unimaginable force. Among those murdered by the terrorists was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was Rabbi Ulman’s son-in-law and a dedicated leader within the community. Rabbi Ulman has since become the voice of the victims, presiding over heart wrenching funerals and providing spiritual guidance to a community reeling from the war on their faith. The trip to New York served as a way for the Rabbi to show his deep appreciation for Ahmed, whose heroic actions directly saved members of his flock.

Standing side by side at the Ohel, the Rabbi and the Syrian hero represented a powerful message of interfaith solidarity. For the Jewish community of Sydney, Ahmed is not just a survivor but a brother who stood in the gap during their darkest hour. The visit to the Rebbe’s resting place symbolizes a shared belief in the sanctity of life and the hope that, through such acts of courage and unity, the light of peace can eventually overcome the darkness of terror.