Crowd Roars in Standing Ovation for Sydney Hero Who Risked Life to Disarm Gunman During Terror Attack
The sold-out crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground erupted into a standing ovation as Syrian-born Ahmed al-Ahmed, who helped disarm one of two gunmen during the Bondi terror attack, walked onto the pitch just before play began of the final Test of the Ashes series. Al-Ahmed's arm was in a sling and his hand was on his heart, a poignant gesture that spoke volumes about the sacrifices he made that fateful night.
Alongside 14-year-old Chaya Dadon, who was shot in the leg while shielding two young children from gunfire, al-Ahmed took part in the tributes to the victims of the attack and those who risked their lives attending them. The emotion on the duo's faces was palpable as Australian and English cricket fans stood on their feet before them.
The names of the 15 victims emblazoned on the stadium screens read "forever in our hearts," accompanied by a poignant message that reflected the outpouring of gratitude for the first responders who risked their lives to save others. Among them were intensive care paramedics, doctors from top hospitals, lifesavers, and local police officers, many of whom assisted while off-duty.
The crowd's reaction was swift and decisive, with Australian players Alex Carey and Cameron Green applauding al-Ahmed and Dadon as they walked by. The scene was further underscored by a video posted on social media, which showed the first responders being greeted by applause from the crowd after the tributes.
In a moving display of appreciation, the ground announcer expressed gratitude for the "incredible service" provided by the individuals who attended, saying: "Thank you everybody, thank you for sharing our gratitude." The gesture was welcomed by Cricket Australia's boss, Todd Greenberg, and the New South Wales sports minister, Steve Kamper.
As the Australian team took to the field, retiring batter Usman Khawaja led the way in shaking hands with the responders. The crowd's outpouring of support for al-Ahmed and Dadon served as a poignant reminder of the bravery and selflessness displayed by those who risked their lives to save others during the Bondi terror attack.
The sold-out crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground erupted into a standing ovation as Syrian-born Ahmed al-Ahmed, who helped disarm one of two gunmen during the Bondi terror attack, walked onto the pitch just before play began of the final Test of the Ashes series. Al-Ahmed's arm was in a sling and his hand was on his heart, a poignant gesture that spoke volumes about the sacrifices he made that fateful night.
Alongside 14-year-old Chaya Dadon, who was shot in the leg while shielding two young children from gunfire, al-Ahmed took part in the tributes to the victims of the attack and those who risked their lives attending them. The emotion on the duo's faces was palpable as Australian and English cricket fans stood on their feet before them.
The names of the 15 victims emblazoned on the stadium screens read "forever in our hearts," accompanied by a poignant message that reflected the outpouring of gratitude for the first responders who risked their lives to save others. Among them were intensive care paramedics, doctors from top hospitals, lifesavers, and local police officers, many of whom assisted while off-duty.
The crowd's reaction was swift and decisive, with Australian players Alex Carey and Cameron Green applauding al-Ahmed and Dadon as they walked by. The scene was further underscored by a video posted on social media, which showed the first responders being greeted by applause from the crowd after the tributes.
In a moving display of appreciation, the ground announcer expressed gratitude for the "incredible service" provided by the individuals who attended, saying: "Thank you everybody, thank you for sharing our gratitude." The gesture was welcomed by Cricket Australia's boss, Todd Greenberg, and the New South Wales sports minister, Steve Kamper.
As the Australian team took to the field, retiring batter Usman Khawaja led the way in shaking hands with the responders. The crowd's outpouring of support for al-Ahmed and Dadon served as a poignant reminder of the bravery and selflessness displayed by those who risked their lives to save others during the Bondi terror attack.
I'm glad we're gettin' the recognition they deserve now. It's sick to see the crowd goin wild for them, especially the little girl chaya dadon who was shot in the leg but still managed to shield those kids from the bullets 
it's moments like these that remind us of what's truly important in life 
he put his life on the line for others & still managed to disarm that gun, i mean what's not to love about someone like him? 
chaya dadon's story too is so inspiring, being only 14 she risked her life for two kids' safety & now she's a symbol of courage 
i'm getting all teary-eyed just thinking about it 
the crowd's reaction was insane though, standing ovation for the responders who helped during the attack? no questions asked 
I'm literally speechless after watching this video! What I love most about Ahmed al-Ahmed is that he's not just a hero, but also an ordinary human being who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. 
. The way the crowd reacted was amazing, it's clear that Australians are grateful for their first responders and the bravery of people like Ahmed al-Ahmed and Chaya Dadon 
. And I love how Usman Khawaja shook hands with them before the match started - a true display of respect and gratitude 
I'M GETTING CHILLS THINKING ABOUT IT!!! 
and Chaya Dadon too, 14 years old and she's already giving her life for others? so brave 
This is what heroism looks like 
. Al-Ahmed's selfless act won't be forgotten anytime soon 
. These first responders risked everything to save others, and it's heartbreaking that some didn't make it 
. The crowd's reaction was amazing, but what's even more amazing is the impact these heroes had on their community 
. It's moments like these that remind me of what truly matters in life 
. I know it sounds harsh, but if I were in his shoes (no pun intended), would I really expect some kind of standing ovation for saving two lives when there were like, 15 victims total? 
It just seems like a bit much to me...
! I mean, can you even imagine putting yourself in that situation? Ahmed al-Ahmed literally risked his life to disarm a gunman and now he's getting this standing ovation at the cricket game 
it's so inspiring to see people come together like that. And Chaya Dadon is just 14 years old! I'm sure she's still shaking from what happened, but the fact that she's showing up and being part of all these tributes is just incredible 