Mohamed Naceur (Hamadi) ben Abdesslem, a Tunisian tour guide, became a symbol of bravery during the 2015 Bardo Museum terrorist attack in Tunis. On March 18, 2015, terrorists od the jihadist Okba Ibn Nafaa Brigade stormed the museum, killing 22 people and injuring many others. Abdesslem was leading a group of 50 Italian tourists at the time. As the gunfire erupted, he quickly took charge, using his knowledge of the museum to guide 45 tourists to safety.
Abdesslem’s calm demeanor and quick thinking were crucial in saving lives. He instructed the tourists to remain calm and follow him, navigating them through secure routes to safety outside the building. His actions not only protected the group from harm but also demonstrated remarkable courage under pressure.
Despite the trauma of the event, Abdesslem continues to work as a tour guide, motivated by his deep love for Tunisia. He has stated that his actions during the attack were driven by a sense of duty to his clients and a broader commitment to his country. Abdesslem’s father was a freedom fighter for Tunisia’s independence, which instilled in him a strong sense of patriotism.
It was a spontaneous, natural response… I really believe in God, and I say God’s will took us to the outside
His bravery had the added benefit of strengthening the bonds between Tunisia and Italy, as his heroism is often highlighted in discussions about the positive aspects of the relationship between the two nations. Italy, which lost some of its citizens in the attack, has acknowledged Abdesslem’s courage, making his story a poignant reflection on the shared values.
Why Hamadi Abdesslem was chosen to be honored in the Garden of Rescuers: His story is a powerful reminder the way that individuals can rise to a crisis and quickly save lives. Abdesslem has been honored in Gariwo gardens around the world, and his actions continue to inspire many and to demonstrate the enduring human capacity for goodness and bravery in the face of terror.
