Ahmed al-Ahmed recently visited the burial sites of two significant Jewish leaders before seeking additional treatment for his gunshot injuries overseas.
After spending two weeks in a Sydney hospital following a shooting incident where he was shot five times, the 43-year-old Syrian refugee flew to the US on Tuesday.
He has been widely recognized for his courageous actions, with videos of him confronting the gunman gaining international attention.
Upon arriving in New York City, he visited Ohel Chabad Lubavitch in Queens a few hours later.
The graves there belong to Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson and his father-in-law Rabbi Yosef Y. Schneerson, both prominent figures in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty.
Online posts captured him praying with fellow Jews, including Rabbi Yehoram Ullman from Sydney and Rabbi Sholom Dovar Dutchman from the US.
In the images, Mr. Al-Ahmed, donning a kippah, is seen with his arm in a sling.
This evening, he is expected to participate in the annual Kollel Chabad Awards Gala Dinner, an event in New York where tickets are priced at $1,000 each.
The event promises guests, described as having the chance to hear directly from Syrian refugees about “real courage and moral clarity.”
Organizers noted, “We are honored to have Rabbi Ullman of Chabad of Bondi alongside Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who selflessly intervened during the Hanukkah Menorah lighting attack in Sydney, risking his own life.” They emphasized the necessity for unity against hatred and terrorism.
In the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack that resulted in 15 deaths, six victims still remain hospitalized as the community continues to heal.
When Al-Ahmed arrived at Los Angeles Airport, FBI agents escorted him to the gate.
On Instagram, he expressed gratitude for the love and support he has received, requesting prayers for his recovery. In another post, he shared a moment on his flight, indicating a long yet vital journey ahead.
The US is known for its excellent trauma centers, capable of supporting numerous patients affected by mass shootings annually.
Recently, he received a warm welcome at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where he was celebrated before the fifth Ashes Test match.
During the event, the crowd applauded him along with fellow bystanders and first responders, following the substantial donations totaling $2.5 million raised by 43,000 individuals in honor of his bravery.
In a previous interview, Al-Ahmed mentioned that his only concern was saving lives, stating, “My goal was to take the gun away and prevent further harm.” He expressed a sense of loss regarding the trauma he endured.
One Sydney local recalled the moment he confronted the gunman, describing how he jumped on the attacker’s back and pleaded with him to stop.
He shared a passionate reflection on his emotional state during the incident, emphasizing the urgency he felt to act: “I don’t want to see people get killed or hear the gunshots. My instincts pushed me to intervene.”
His actions were driven by an overwhelming need to protect others, reflecting his deep sense of responsibility.
