More than $2.6 million has been raised for Ahmed al Ahmed, who heroically disarmed a gunman during a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia.
In a remarkable display of courage, Ahmed al Ahmed has garnered over $2.6 million in donations following his heroic actions during a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. The tragic incident occurred on December 14, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals.
A GoFundMe campaign was initiated shortly after the attack, aimed at supporting al Ahmed, a Syrian-born Australian Muslim. He became a symbol of bravery when footage emerged showing him tackling and disarming one of the alleged gunmen. As of Sunday morning, the fundraiser had amassed $2.64 million through nearly 45,000 contributions.
The fundraiser’s description highlights al Ahmed’s selfless actions during a moment of chaos. “In a moment of chaos and danger, Ahmed al Ahmed stepped forward without hesitation,” it states. “His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety.” Reports indicate that al Ahmed sustained two gunshot wounds while protecting others during the attack.
Organizers of the campaign expressed their gratitude for al Ahmed’s bravery, emphasizing the importance of supporting someone who demonstrated “incredible courage when it mattered most.” Footage from the scene shows al Ahmed, a father of two young daughters aged 5 and 6, sneaking up behind the attacker as shots are fired off-camera. He then tackles the gunman and wrestles the weapon away, ultimately holding the attacker at gunpoint.
One of the fundraiser’s organizers, social media influencer Zachery Dereniowski, visited al Ahmed in a Sydney hospital on Friday to present him with a check for $2.5 million, the amount raised at that time. In a heartfelt moment captured on video, al Ahmed appeared overwhelmed by the gesture, asking from his hospital bed, “I deserve it?” Dereniowski responded, “Every penny.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid a visit to al Ahmed earlier this week, commending him as an “Australian hero.” In a message shared on social media platform X, Albanese stated, “You put yourself at risk to save others, running towards danger on Bondi Beach and disarming a terrorist. In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians. And that’s exactly what we saw on Sunday night. On behalf of every Australian, I say thank you.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised al Ahmed’s actions as “brave,” while Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, remarked that al Ahmed’s “incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives.”
The Australian government is currently investigating the shooting as a terror attack specifically targeting the Jewish community. Authorities have charged a 24-year-old man, who allegedly carried out the attack alongside his 50-year-old father, who died at the scene, with murder.
As the community continues to rally around al Ahmed, his actions serve as a poignant reminder of bravery in the face of danger. The overwhelming support he has received reflects the deep appreciation for his selfless act during a time of tragedy.
According to Fox News, the ongoing investigation into the attack underscores the serious nature of the incident and the commitment of authorities to ensure justice is served.