Justin Bieber celebrates Bondi Beach hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed's bravery with the world

Justin Bieber, 31, has joined a chorus of world leaders and celebrities praising the bravery of Bondi Beach hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who risked his life during Sunday’s terrorist attack at a Hanukkah festival.

On December 14, a joyous Hanukkah festival at Archer Park beside Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, a seaside gathering spot in eastern Australia, turned into one of the nation’s darkest moments.

A planned celebration, the "Chanukah by the Sea" event, tragically turned violent when two gunmen opened fire on the hundreds of people gathered there in the late afternoon.

The 43-year-old fruit shop owner became an instant symbol of courage after confronting gunman Sajid Akram, 50. Videos circulating online show Al-Ahmed wrestling Akram to the ground and seizing his weapon, an act that helped save countless lives.

Tragically, he was shot several times in the process and remains in the hospital, needing further surgery on his shoulder.

The attack itself left the city reeling. Sixteen people were killed, including Akram, while at least 40 others were injured.

Police say the other gunman, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, has woken from a coma and is now conscious in hospital. He is being questioned and is expected to face charges for his role in the mass shooting.

Leaders worldwide have lauded Al-Ahmed’s courage. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, President Donald Trump and King Charles all publicly praised his actions. Now, Bieber has added his voice, calling Al-Ahmed a “hero” during a Twitch livestream.

“The story, it’s just crazy. That guy is a hero, though, the guy who disarmed him. It’s crazy, did you see the video? He disarms the guy with the gun on the beach,” Bieber told friends backstage.

For Al-Ahmed, the global attention has been overwhelming but humbling. Speaking publicly for the first time from his hospital bed on Tuesday, the Syrian-born hero thanked everyone for their support.

“I appreciated the efforts of everyone,” he said in a viral video.

While the world mourns the lives lost and reckons with the horrors of the attack, Al-Ahmed’s bravery offers a rare glimmer of hope.

A previously unknown fruit shop owner has gained worldwide recognition after becoming a hero. He served as a lifeline for dozens of people during a life-threatening situation.

In an age when heroes are often fictional, Al-Ahmed reminds us that courage still walks among us.