Ahmed Al-Ahmed: Bondi hero’s health declines after busy US trip, meeting Kevin Rudd

Bondi’s brave attack survivor Ahmed Al-Ahmed has faced another major setback after falling ill during his visit to the United States.

The 43-year-old Syrian-born Sydneysider, who was hailed a hero after being shot five times while confronting alleged gunmen Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, in Bondi on December 12, flew to New York earlier this week for ongoing medical care. The attack left 15 people dead and dozens more injured.

Since arriving in the US, Mr Al-Ahmed has appeared on several television programs, attended a high-profile Jewish gala dinner, and met with Australia’s Ambassador to the US, and former prime minister, Kevin Rudd.

He was preparing for additional treatment in New York when suddenly began experiencing severe pain and swelling in his hand. A video shared to his Instagram on Saturday night showed Mr Al-Ahmed resting in his hotel bed, surrounded by visitors after cancelling multiple engagements.

“My health has declined again,” he captioned the video.

“When the pain returns after the medicine wears off, I feel discouraged. But when I remember that I did what I did to protect innocent people and that so many people love me and are wishing for my recovery, I feel hope, optimism and joy.”

He expressed gratitude to those who visited him despite his cancelled meetings.

“Despite that, they came with such kindness and respect to check on me in my modest hotel room, just to make sure I was okay,” he added.

Mr Al-Ahmed also thanked his many supporters worldwide, writing, “Thank you from all my heart. Please remember me in your prayers.”

Just hours earlier, he shared footage of his meeting with Mr Rudd, calling it a great honour. He told the former prime minister that doctors believed he was only months away from making a full recovery.

“You did an extraordinary thing, my friend,” Mr Rudd told him. “Your image went across the world. We love you for it.”

Earlier in the week, Mr Al-Ahmed received a standing ovation at a $1,000-a-head Colel Chabad Gala in New York, where billionaire Bill Ackman presented him with a golden Menorah inscribed with the words Light Will Win. Mr Ackman, who has donated nearly $100,000 to Mr Al-Ahmed’s GoFundMe, described the refugee’s actions as profoundly courageous.

“(Jews) are 0.2 per cent of the world. So seeing someone step forward on behalf of people he didn’t know, to risk his own life, and the calculus of going after a guy with a gun,” Mr Ackman told the audience.

“It’s really one of the great acts of heroism, and I think it was very reaffirming to the Jewish community to have someone stand up on behalf of our community in the most profound, life‑affirming way. That’s why we were here.”