Ashes honors 'Bondi Hero' : Ahmed al-Ahmed gets standing ovation in Sydney

Sydney pays tribute to the Bondi Beach attack massacre’s first responders and heroes for safeguarding the victims.

Emergency service personnel and members of the public who responded during the horrific Bondi Beach mass shooting last month were honored in a touching ceremony at the SCG prior to the fifth Ashes Test.

The 'on-field guard of honor' ahead of the clash was accompanied by loud applause from the sold-out crowd.

Bondi Heros were welcomed to the SCG, the biggest cheer from the sold-out crowd was reserved for hero Ahmed al-Ahmed, who ran towards one of the attackers and wrestled the gun from him, walking out with his right arm.

The names of the attack’s 15 victims were emblazoned on the stadium’s screens under the words “forever in our hearts” as a group of first responders led the procession onto the pitch,reports the Guardian.

Among them were intensive care paramedics, doctors from the Royal Prince Alfred and St. Vincent’s hospitals, lifesavers and local police, several of whom assisted while off-duty.

“Thank you everybody, Thank you for sharing our gratitude for the incredible service that these individuals and many others provided,” the ground announcer said as applause rang out around the stadium.

“We thank you all for your continued care for our community in response to this tragedy. Thank you.”

After both anthems, al-Ahmed, Dadon and the first responders were greeted by the New South Wales sports minister, Steve Kamper and Cricket Australia’s boss,Todd Greenberg.

Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg called the attack “a devastating tragedy.” The sports minister expressed that,“the incredible acts of bravery by first responders and community members at the scene of the Bondi attack were a reminder of the spirit of community and self-sacrifice that unites us as a nation.”

Australian players Alex Carey and Cameron Green also applauded Al-Ahmed and Dadon as they walked by.

The 43-year-old fruit shop owner was filmed tackling and disarming one of the attackers and was widely hailed as a hero, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese terming al-Ahmed’s actions an example of “Australians coming together”.

He intervened while having lunch in the area when the shooting took place.

Al-Ahmed is an Australian Muslim citizen of Syrian origin and comes from the village of al-Nayrab, near Idlib in Syria, and is understood to have moved to Australia in 2006.