Bondi Junction Security Guard Remembered as a National Hero
Faraz Tahir, the 30-year-old security guard who was tragically killed while trying to save shoppers from a knife-wielding attacker at the Bondi Junction Westfield on April 13, was remembered as a national hero at a funeral service in north-west Sydney.
Mourners gathered at the Baitul Huda mosque in Marsden Park to honor the life of Tahir, who was originally from Pakistan and had arrived in Australia just 18 months prior. His brother, Shiraz Tahir, described him as the "strongest person" he knew, always eager to help others.
Tahir's colleague, Muhammad Taha, who was also on duty on the day of the attack and suffered serious injuries while trying to intervene, attended the funeral. He recalled Tahir's final words, "Let's find out what's going on," as they rushed to confront the attacker.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns both paid tribute to Tahir's bravery, with Albanese stating that "Australia will always be grateful to Faraz Tahir."
In response to the tragedy, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Australia (AMYA) has launched a nationwide blood drive named "Faraz's Gift" to honor Tahir's sacrifice and encourage Australians to give blood. The campaign aims to commemorate the lives of all those lost in the attack and to embody the spirit of selflessness that Tahir displayed.