Bondi Beach hero receives fundraising cheque
Ahmed Al Ahmed awarded $1.65 million after global donations pour in following his bravery during Bondi shooting
SYDNEY (MNTV) — Ahmed Al Ahmed, the Syrian-born man hailed as a hero after confronting gunmen during the Bondi Beach mass shooting, has received a cheque worth $1.65 million collected through a global fundraising campaign.
The funds were raised via an online donation platform that drew contributions from more than 43,000 people worldwide, including prominent business figures. The total amount exceeded A$2.5 million, equivalent to $1.65 million at current exchange rates.
Al Ahmed was presented with the oversized cheque at his hospital bed at St George Hospital on Friday by Zachery Dereniowski, a social media influencer and co-organizer of the fundraising campaign, according to videos shared online.
During the attack, Al Ahmed reportedly took cover behind parked cars before charging one of the suspected gunmen from behind, seizing his weapon and forcing him to the ground.
He was later shot by a second suspected attacker and remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
When handed the cheque, Al Ahmed asked whether he deserved the money, to which Dereniowski replied that every dollar was earned.
Speaking afterward, Al Ahmed urged people to stand together, saying his actions were driven by compassion and a desire to protect others enjoying a day of celebration.
He described Australia as “the best country in the world” and praised its people, adding that violence should never be met with silence. Al Ahmed, a father of two, left Syria’s northwestern Idlib province nearly two decades ago to seek work and safety in Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Al Ahmed in hospital to commend his bravery following the attack, which killed 15 people and wounded dozens during celebrations marking the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Authorities allege the attack was carried out by a 50-year-old man, who was shot dead by police, and his 24-year-old son, who was critically wounded.
In response, Albanese announced plans for a sweeping national gun buyback scheme and pledged tougher firearms laws to prevent similar attacks.
Community tributes have continued across Sydney, including candlelight vigils and a paddle-out at Bondi Beach, where surfers and swimmers formed a circle in the water to honor the victims one week after the attack.
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