Fundraiser for Australian Hero Who Disarmed Bondi Beach Gunman Tops $2.6 Million
SYDNEY, Australia — More than $2.6 million has been raised for Ahmed al Ahmed, the Australian man who courageously disarmed a gunman during a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach last weekend. The December 14 attack, which claimed at least 15 lives and wounded dozens more, shocked the nation and drew international attention to al Ahmed’s heroic actions.
Video footage circulating widely shows al Ahmed, a Syrian-born Australian Muslim and father of two young daughters, stealthily approaching one of the alleged attackers as gunfire erupted. Without hesitation, he tackled the gunman, wrestled the weapon away, and turned it on the assailant, holding him at gunpoint. During the struggle, al Ahmed was shot twice but continued to protect others.
Within days of the attack, a GoFundMe page was launched to support al Ahmed, quickly amassing nearly 45,000 donations from around the world. Social media influencer Zachery Dereniowski, one of the campaign’s organizers, personally visited al Ahmed in a Sydney hospital to present him with a check for $2.5 million, a gesture that visibly moved the hero. “I deserve it?” al Ahmed asked, to which Dereniowski replied, “Every penny.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised al Ahmed as an “Australian hero,” highlighting his selfless bravery in the face of grave danger. Albanese wrote on social media, “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.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also visited al Ahmed in hospital, commending his “incredible courage” and underscoring the profound impact of his actions on the community. International leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, echoed these sentiments, calling al Ahmed’s bravery “remarkable” and “inspirational.”
The attack on Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most iconic locations, has intensified discussions on national security and counterterrorism efforts. The Australian Department of Home Affairs continues to investigate the incident and has charged the surviving suspect as part of ongoing legal proceedings.
As the nation mourns the victims and supports the wounded, al Ahmed’s story stands as a powerful testament to human courage and resilience. The overwhelming public response, reflected in the record-breaking fundraiser, underscores the deep gratitude felt across Australia and beyond for his heroic intervention during one of the country’s darkest moments.
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