As gunfire erupted on Sunday evening, Bitton and his companion instinctively ran for cover. However, when his friend turned back to check on him, Bitton had vanished.

“He was fully aware of the risks, yet he was determined to assist others,” Matthew Volpatti, another of Bitton’s friends, shared with 9News.

The 30-year-old courageously charged towards the chaos alongside Ahmed al-Ahmed, aiming to thwart the ongoing attack.

Bitton was later discovered at a hospital, where he was already undergoing surgery for the gunshot wounds he suffered during the incident.

His identity was confirmed when his father, who traveled from Israel, recognized him as the man in the red shirt featured in widely circulated footage. The video captured Bitton rushing to aid Ahmed al-Ahmed, who gained recognition for disarming one of the attackers.

Bitton was shot three times and remains in critical condition at St Vincent’s Hospital after five rounds of surgery.

His loved ones are raising money for his medical expenses.

“He’s got a long road to recovery,” Volpatti said.

“He’s just a young man come from overseas to have a better life in Australia, and he’s gonna need everyone’s support.”