A hero of the Bondi Beach massacre will be the guest of honour at a Jewish gala dinner in New York City on Wednesday night, as details of his US visit emerge.
Ahmed Al Ahmed, who was seriously wounded while disarming gunman Sajid Akram during the Hanukkah attack at Bondi Beach in December, has arrived in the US and will attend the annual Colel Chabad awards gala dinner in New York, alongside Sydney Rabbi Yehoram Ulman.
The charity event raises funds for vulnerable families in Israel, with individual tickets priced from $1,000 ($1,485 AUD).
Event organisers have described Mr Al Ahmed as a special guest in recognition of his actions during the December 14 attack, when he intervened, disarmed and restrained Akram before the gunman was shot dead by police.
The charity is understood to have paid for his business-class flights from Australia and his accommodation in New York.
Mr Al Ahmed, who is Muslim, was photographed wearing a kippah – a religious skullcap – while meeting Jewish community leaders ahead of the gala.
He was also greeted by FBI officers upon arrival in the US on Tuesday.
According to a well-placed source, the trip was planned late last year, shortly after Mr Al Ahmed was discharged from hospital.
Bondi attack hero Ahmed al Ahmed has received a warm welcome as he was greeted by the FBI in New York
‘The trip was already planned before the 29th so at the end of the year it was in discussions,’ they said.
‘He was worried it was going to be freezing and that he didn’t have any winter clothes, being summer here.’
The source added that Mr Al Ahmed and his then lawyer, Sam Issa, were planning to travel to the US to pursue opportunities and that there was talk of chat shows.
‘He seemed open to all of it and was excited about the trip,’ they said.
Mr Al Ahmed is no longer being represented by Mr Issa, and last week engaged media specialist Ian Robertson, chair of corporate and commercial law firm Holding Redlich.
However, Mr Issa is seen in photos with his former client in New York, as it is understood he assisted with aspects of the trip.
After landing in the US, Mr Al Ahmed and Rabbi Ulman visited the Ohel in Queens – the resting place of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson – ahead of further meetings in New York and Washington, D.C.
He previously posted on Instagram that he was travelling to the United States to begin a ‘treatment journey’, though the nature of the treatment has not been disclosed.
Mr Al Ahmed surrounded by the FBI in the US
Mr Al Ahmed posted photos and videos on Instagram after landing in the US on Monday
Mr Al Ahmed with Qantas staff on his flight to New York
He captioned the video: ‘On my way to start my treatment journey in the United States. I kindly ask everyone to keep me in their prayers.’
In a separate post, Mr Al Ahmed wrote: ‘It is a long journey, but a necessary one. We ask God for success and guidance. Your prayers.
‘A special thanks to the FBI for their warm welcome, outstanding protection, and genuine care. Your professionalism and support are truly appreciated.’
He also shared images from his flight, including a selfie with Qantas flight attendants.
Mr Al Ahmed is a Syrian national living in Australia. Syrians are subject to strict US travel restrictions under laws introduced last year, though exemptions may apply depending on visa status and purpose of travel.
Speaking to the Daily Mail last week, Mr Robertson confirmed his client’s travel to the US, and said Mr Al Ahmed would not be giving interviews during his time there due to health concerns and stress.
Mr Al Ahmed became embroiled in a public dispute with Sky News Australia after withdrawing from a planned interview following his release from hospital.
Fifteen people, including 10-year-old girl Matilda Bee, were killed in the December 14 attack at Bondi Beach when Indian national Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, allegedly opened fire on a crowd celebrating Hanukkah.
The moment Mr Al Ahmed (in white) wrestled the firearm from gunman Sajid Akram during the Bondi shooting
Mr Al Ahmed (pictured with NSW Premier Chris Minns) was discharged from hospital two weeks after being shot
There are six people still in hospital following the Islamic State-inspired attack.
World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, publicly praised Mr Al Ahmed’s courage in the aftermath of the massacre.
While recovering in hospital, Mr Al Ahmed sold his Sydney tobacco shop in Sutherland in Sydney’s south, and received a cheque for $2.5million following a massive fundraising effort in recognition of his bravery, and recovery.
