A fundraiser for the man hailed as the hero of the Bondi Beach terror attack is racing towards an astonishing AUD$2 million, with donations nearly doubling overnight as support floods in from across the globe.
The Moment of Courage That Saved Lives
Ahmed Al Ahmed, a 43-year-old father-of-two and fruit shop owner, is recovering in hospital after being shot twice while tackling and disarming one of the alleged gunmen during Sunday's attack in Sydney. Incredible footage captured the moment the former Syrian police officer, who moved to Australia in 2006, took cover behind a car before charging the shooter, wrestling the firearm away and forcing him into retreat.
Before his act of immense bravery, Ahmed reportedly told his cousin: "I'm going to die, please see my family and tell them that I went down to save people's lives." His quick-thinking actions are widely credited with preventing further loss of life during the assault, which left 15 innocent people dead and dozens injured.
Global Outpouring of Support and Gratitude
The GoFundMe campaign, organised by Car Hub Australia and Canadian mental health advocate Zachery Dereniowski, has seen an overwhelming response. Having initially raised an eye-watering AUD$1 million in just hours, the total had surged to AUD$1.9 million (£991,720) at the time of writing, fast approaching its AUD$3.1 million goal.
More than 33,000 people have donated, with the largest single contribution of AUD$99,999 believed to be from American billionaire Bill Ackman. Messages of support have poured in from the UK, the US, and around the world, praising Ahmed's selflessness.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visited Ahmed in hospital, calling him a "real-life hero" whose "incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives." Ahmed's cousin confirmed he has undergone his first successful surgery but faces several more procedures.
A Symbol of Unity in a Time of Division
The response from donors has highlighted how Ahmed's actions have become a powerful symbol of unity and the Australian spirit. Many have celebrated the fact that a Muslim man risked his life to save Jewish festival-goers, embodying the nation's multicultural ideals.
"You showed us that Australia is home for all of us, and when it counts, we protect each other," said one Australian donor, Zhen Liu. Another, Rachel Naseby, added: "I don’t care what country you come from or what religion you are, I want you to know your chosen country embraces you and values your bravery!"
The alleged terrorist, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, was arrested at the scene, while his alleged accomplice and father, Sajid, 50, was killed by police. As the community mourns, the fundraiser for Ahmed Al Ahmed stands as a testament to the global recognition of his extraordinary courage.
