Sacramento, CA – Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D–Hollywood) released the following statement today commending Ahmed Al Ahmed for his heroic actions during a deadly antisemitic attack targeting the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia, in which at least 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.
"Ahmed al Ahmed is a hero, and his actions represent the absolute best of humanity in the face of the very worst. Al Ahmed saw the victims of this antisemitic terror attack, 'people dying and their families being shot,' according to his cousin, and he immediately jumped into action — risking his own life and taking multiple gunshots to save others.
"The bravery al Ahmed demonstrated in his actions is truly inspiring. He did what so many others could not even imagine. And it would be impossible to overlook the global impact this man has made. At a time when too many around the world seek to divide us, al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Muslim and Australian citizen of Syrian origin, did not hesitate to risk his own life to save Jewish lives. May al Ahmed's heroic actions at Bondi Beach serve as a reminder that humanity is stronger when we care for one another across cultural, ethnic, and religious divides, and a source of hope for a future of unity and peace.
"According to Australian news reports, al Ahmed remains in stable but serious condition following surgery. As the representative for California's Fifty-First Assembly District, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Ahmed al Ahmed for his immense bravery and wish him a full and speedy recovery."
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.
CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, Vienna.Montague@asm.ca.gov