Light in the dark: moments of heroism, kindness, and comfort

All Australians are grappling with the aftermath of Australia's most deadly terrorist attack, the targeting of Jews at a Chanukah event on Bondi beach, which claimed 15 innocent lives and left several more injured.

As we continue to mourn the victims , come to terms with our changed country, and try to understand what happened, there have also been moments of comfort. We're continuing to learn more about the heroes of that day, while experiencing an outpouring of support for the Jewish community.

In the spirit of Chanukah, let us illuminate the dark with these sparks of light.

In an incredible moment of heroism, 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed tackled and disarmed one of the Bondi shooters, Sajid Akram. The Syrian-born, Muslim shopkeeper was meeting a friend for coffee when he bravely intervened. He suffered multiple gunshots and is in hospital recovering, where he has been visited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns.

Speaking to the ABC, Al Ahmed’s father, Mohamed Fateh Al Ahmed said his son had no prejudice.

“When he did what he did, he wasn't thinking about the background of the people he's saving, the people dying in the street. He doesn't discriminate between one nationality and another. Especially here in Australia, there's no difference between one citizen and another.”