The Syrian‑Australian who stepped in to stop a gunman on Bondi Beach has been branded a traitor by thousands of Palestinian readers who were upset that he saved Jewish lives, a new report finds.
After the West Bank‑based Ramallah News outlet ran a story about 43‑year‑old Ahmed al Ahmed’s life‑saving actions, many of its followers tore the Muslim hero apart, wishing he never recovered from the severe injuries he sustained. This claim comes from an analysis by Palestinian Media Watch (PMW), an Israeli‑based monitoring group.
While Ahmed’s bravery was hailed worldwide as a “feel‑good story” that highlighted Sunday’s tragic shooting, more than 75 % of the 1,000‑plus comments on the Ramallah News post were hostile, says Ahron Shapiro—an Australian senior researcher for PMW—who spoke to The Australian.
Among the vitriol, one user wrote, “I wish (the bullet) hit your heart.” Another added, “May Allah not heal you.” Yet another slammed him for “selling out his life for the safety of Jews,” and another accused him of stopping the murderous actions of fellow Muslim shooter Sajid Akram.
A chilling message in the comments read, “May God send you a disease that has no cure.” Posts calling for Ahmed’s death, eternal damnation, and questioning his faith followed, with some even labeling him “an atheist” and claiming he acted only for financial reward.
A few conspiracy theorists suggested that the tragedy was orchestrated by Mossad. Of all the reactions, just 20 % praised Ahmed as a hero who followed true Islamic guidance to defend his fellow man.
Despite the torrent of hateful and antisemitic remarks, the Palestinian Authority condemned the Bondi Beach shooting as a “horrific act of extremism and terrorism,” though it did not note that the victims were Jewish people celebrating Hanukkah.
Ahmed told reporters on Tuesday that he had no regrets after rushing Akram and wrestling the rifle away, even though his left arm was wounded by gunfire. Global support for Ahmed swelled, with more than $1.5 million raised for the father‑of‑two who runs a local tobacco shop.
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