Major setback for brave Bondi attack hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed during US visit
Bondi attack hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed was scheduled to undergo more medical treatment in New York before his health declined,
Bondi attack hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed has suffered another health setback after becoming unwell during his trip to the US.
The Syrian-born Sydneysider, 43, was shot five times after he confronted alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, when they opened fire on the crowd on December 12, killing 15 and wounding dozens more.
He flew business class to the US earlier this week for the next phase of his 'treatment journey'.
He has since conducted several television interviews, was the guest of honour at a Jewish gala dinner in New York, and met with Australia’s Ambassador to the US, former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd.
Mr Al-Ahmed was scheduled to undergo more medical treatment in New York before he suffered severe pain and swelling in his hand.
A clip shared on his Instagram page on Saturday night showed the former tobacconist lying in bed in his hotel room surrounded by visitors after he was forced to cancel several meetings.
'My health has declined again,' he captioned the video.
'When the pain returns after the medicine wears off, I feel discouraged.
Ahmed Al-Ahmed is recovering in a New York hotel room after his health deteriorated
Mr Al-Ahmed (right) travelled to the US after taking part in a guard of honour for the Bondi heroes at the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney
He suffered severe pain and swelling in his hand hours after meeting Australia’s Ambassador to the US, former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd (right)
'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 was also thankful for the group of visitors who came to check on him in his hotel room after he was forced to cancel meetings with them.
'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 ended the post by thanking well-wishers.
'Thank you from all my heart. Please remember me in your prayers,' he wrote.
Hours earlier, he shared a video of meeting and embracing Rudd, which Mr Al‑Ahmed described as a great honour.
He told Rudd that doctors believed he was months away from making a full recovery.
'You did an extraordinary thing, my friend,' the former PM told him.
A group visited the Sydneysider recovering in his New York hotel room after he was forced to cancel several meetings
'Your image went across the world. We love you for it.'
Earlier in the week, Mr Al‑Ahmed was presented with a large gold Menorah by billionaire Bill Ackman at a lavish $1,000-a-head dinner in New York.
Ackman, who donated $99,999 to the Bondi hero's GoFundMe, praised the Syrian refugee at the Colel Chabad Gala on Wednesday night.
Mr Al‑Ahmed received a three‑minute standing ovation from guests as he took the stage with his injured arm in a sling.
Ackman was visibly moved as he addressed the crowd and presented Al-Ahmed with the gold menorah, which was inscribed with the words 'Light Will Win'.
'[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,' Ackman told the crowd.
'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.'