Sometimes people not only break the mold, but they can hopefully re-define it entirely.
The entire world is in shock as we try to process the aftermath of a mass shooting committed by a father and sun at a Hanukkah event in Australia that left at least 15 people dead and dozens of others wounded.
We must start by recognizing the rise in anti-Semitism and the disgusting increase in attacks on Jews around the world. It has to stop!
Next, we must go over the details of this case as people call for stricter gun laws or background checks.
But there is a third narrative that I hope isn’t lost. There was a hero on scene who doesn’t fit the usual narrative.
His name is Ahmed al-Ahmad. The 43-year-old Muslim man grabbed the elder man’s gun and was shot twice by the younger man as forced the first man back.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised him for saving lives. “We saw an action of a brave man – turns out a Muslim brave man, and I salute him.”
It’s not what anyone expected, but heroism doesn’t care about expectations or stereotypes. Whatever comes out about the shooters, we shouldn’t forget that a Muslim man put his own life in danger saving Jewish lives at a Hanukkah event in Australia -a single act of heroism that may change some people’s minds and even open some hearts, as well.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
