Crowd Roars in Standing Ovation for Bondi Hero

A sold-out Sydney Cricket Ground erupted in applause on Sunday as Bondi terror attack hero Ahmed al-Ahmed walked onto the pitch ahead of the final Ashes Test. With his arm in a sling and his hand placed firmly on his heart, the Syrian-born father of two received a standing ovation from the 40,000-strong crowd.

Al-Ahmed, who helped disarm one of two gunmen during the Bondi attack, was invited to take part in the pre-match tributes honoring victims and those who risked their lives. His bravery has been widely hailed as instrumental in preventing further bloodshed during the incident.

He was joined on the field by 14-year-old Chaya Dadon, who was shot in the leg during the attack but survived. Together, they symbolized resilience and courage in the face of tragedy, drawing emotional cheers from spectators and players alike.

The tribute ceremony included a moment of silence, followed by applause that swept across the stadium. Players from both Australia and England lined up respectfully, with several cricketers later describing the ovation as one of the most powerful moments of the series.

Cricket Australia officials said the gesture was meant to honor “ordinary people who showed extraordinary bravery” and to remind fans of the importance of unity in times of crisis.

For Al-Ahmed, the recognition was deeply moving. “I didn’t expect this,” he told reporters after leaving the pitch. “I only did what anyone would do to protect others. Today, I felt the love of the people of Sydney.”