The family of slain Bondi Junction security guard Faraz Tahir have described him as a hero, ahead of his funeral tomorrow. Mr Tahir fled persecution in Pakistan. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend his funeral.

Bondi Junction

**Bondi Security Guard Remembered for His Heroism**

Family members from around the globe, including London and Pakistan, have united in mourning over the loss of Faraz Tahir. Tahir, revered for his bravery, tragically lost his life as he confronted a knife-wielding assailant despite being unarmed. His actions during the confrontation are believed to have saved many lives. "I don't know how many people he saved in that time. I think a lot of people are alive because of him," reflects a family member.

Faraz Tahir would have celebrated his 31st birthday recently, marking a somber moment for his family who described his passing as a profound loss. "It's a big loss for the whole family," expressed his eldest brother, articulating the difficulty the family faces in coming to terms with their bereavement. Tahir had shared with his family how safe he felt in Australia, a refuge from the persecution he and his family faced in Pakistan due to their Ahmadiyya Muslim faith—a belief system that led to the killing of two of his uncles.

Tahir's untimely death occurred during what was only his fifth shift as a security guard, and notably his first daytime shift. His excitement about the job the night before the incident was palpable, as he looked forward to the mosque being open to the public. Tragically, this day of hope turned into a day of mourning.

The community and leaders are set to honor Faraz Tahir in a significant way. A gathering at a magnificent mosque, attended by thousands including the Prime Minister and the Premier of New South Wales, will pay tribute to Tahir, who is described as a brave individual who sacrificed his life for others. "He was a very brave guy. He sacrificed his life for the safety of Australians. We are proud of his action," a family member stated.

In memory of Tahir's heroic act, his family encourages those unable to attend the memorial to contribute by donating blood through the Red Cross. Donations should be registered under "Faraz's Gift,” a tribute to a man who made the ultimate sacrifice in his adopted country.



Funeral for Bondi Junction security guard killed in attacks

The family reunion that no one can celebrate, brothers and cousins arriving from London, from Pakistan, to mourn the man who ran unarmed towards a killer with a knife. I don't know how many people he saved in that time. I think a lot of people are alive because of him. Faraz Tahir should have celebrated his 31st birthday yesterday. It's a big loss for the whole family, says his eldest brother. We're still coming to terms with the reality of what has happened. Faraz told his family he felt safe at last in Australia. A member of the minority Ahmadiyya branch of Islam, he had fled the persecution in Pakistan that had killed two of his uncles. Any time you can get killed because of your beliefs. That fateful day at Bondi was his fifth shift as a security guard, his first in daytime. The night before he told his brother he was excited. Tomorrow this magnificent mosque will be open to all, everyone invited to honour a man who came here looking for peace, but will be farewelled by thousands of people, including the Prime Minister and the Premier of New South Wales. He was a very brave guy. He sacrificed his life for the safety of Australians. We are proud of his action. For those who can't make it, the family is urging people to donate blood through the Red Cross and register it under Faraz's Gift, for a man who gave his own blood in this, his new land. Hugh Remington for 10 News First.

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