Two armed men opened fire indiscriminately on attendees, and Australian authorities are already investigating it as an antisemitic terrorist attack. Amid the chaos, Ahmed al Ahmed, owner of a small fruit shop located a few meters from the scene, made a decision that would make a difference. In the same vein, the head of the New South Wales government, Chris Minns, emphasized that even amid the tragedy, “there are people willing to risk their lives for complete strangers.” From the United States, President Donald Trump also praised Ahmed al Ahmed, whom he described as a “true hero” and expressed his “great respect” for his actions. Minutes later, he left the scene, already injured, while security forces completed the neutralization of the aggressors. Hours later, it was learned that Ahmed had been shot twice by the second terrorist, who tried to kill him while struggling with the disarmed attacker. His intervention showed that extremist violence does not represent entire communities and that in the face of hate, individual courage can make a difference. As Australia continues to mourn and the investigation into the network behind the attack advances, the name of Ahmed al Ahmed has become an emblem of civic courage. Married with two children, Ahmed had never been involved in violent situations. “He is a hero,” he said, moved, while highlighting the family's pride in his actions. The international reaction was not long in coming. For many, his actions not only prevented a greater massacre, but also offered a powerful image of humanity amid the terror. Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Muslim fruit seller, managed to disarm one of the attackers and prevent the number of victims from being even greater in the shooting that left at least 16 people dead and dozens injured. “He was a very brave person who confronted one of the shooters head-on and saved many lives,” he stated during an official reception at the White House. The scene was recorded by witnesses on their cell phones, capturing the moment the merchant pointed the weapon at the terrorist to immobilize him until the police arrived. Once the attacker was subdued, Ahmed left the weapon leaning against a tree and gave clear signals to the agents to indicate that he was not part of the attack, but had acted to protect the victims. His health status, according to relatives and authorities, is improving favorably. “He is an ordinary citizen, a family man,” said Mustafa, the fruit seller's cousin, to Australian media at the hospital entrance. Ahmed al Ahmed's gesture acquired additional symbolic value in a context of growing concern about Islamist terrorism and antisemitic attacks in Western countries. Sydney, December 16, 2025 - Total News Agency - TNA - An ordinary citizen, without military training or experience with weapons, became a symbol of courage and humanity after decisively intervening during a terrorist attack against Hanukkah celebrations in Australia. They propose him as Person of the Year.
