'Australia was lucky to have him': Hero security guard killed in Bondi stabbing farewelled
Bondi stabbing victim Faraz Tahir has been remembered as a hero by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a memorial service for the slain security guard today.
The Bondi Junction Westfield security guard was killed as he attempted to stop 40-year-old Joel Cauchi from fatally stabbing shoppers.
Tahir, 30, sought refuge in Australia a year ago after fleeing persecution in his home country of Pakistan.
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Faraz Tahir, 30, will be farewelled today. Supplied Nine
He found work as a security guard, and was bravely protecting the public when he was fatally stabbed by Cauchi.
At his funeral today, Prime Minster Anthony Albanese said Tahir "died a hero" and would be remembered as one.
"Faraz Tahir gave everything to help others: his time, his energy, his optimism and dedication, his heart and his soul," Albanese said.
"And on that devastating Saturday afternoon at Bondi Junction, he gave his life.
"Running toward danger, to protect people he had never even met.
"Without question, Faraz Tahir died a hero. And he will be remembered as a hero.
"Faraz Tahir counted himself lucky to have come to Australia. In truth, Australia was lucky to have him."
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Tahir's family and friends and the Ahmadiyya Muslim community held funeral prayers for him today at the Masjid Baitul Huda mosque. Nine
Tahir's family and friends and the Ahmadiyya Muslim community held funeral prayers for him today at the Masjid Baitul Huda mosque in Sydney's north-west.
Last week the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia spoke of their profound sadness following Tahir's death.
"Faraz Tahir, aged 30, sought refuge in Australia just a year ago, fleeing persecution in his home country of Pakistan," the community said in a statement.
"He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness.
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Bondi Junction stabbing victims Yixuan Cheng, Pikria Darchia, Faraz Tahir, Ashlee Good, Dawn Singleton, Jade Young Nine
"Faraz was not only a valued member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia but also actively contributed to the charitable endeavours of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth organisation.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz's family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence.
"We extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the broader community as we come together to support one another in the face of tragedy."
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Flowers and gifts are laid at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre during a day of reflection on April 18, 2024 in Bondi Junction, Australia. The Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre opened today for the community to reflect following a stabbing attack that killed seven, including the offender, on April 13, 2024. The shopping centre is not open for retail trade but is expected to re-open for business on April 19, 2024. (Photo by Dion Georgopoulos Getty
Tahir was one of six people killed by Cauchi before he was fatally shot by police officer Amy Scott.
A dozen more were injured, including a nine-month-old baby.
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