Bondi Hero’s Heartfelt Plea: “Stand Together, Forget the Past” as He Receives $2.5 Million Cheque for Bravery
- Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, disarmed a gunman during the Bondi terror attack and has been hailed a hero worldwide
- The father-of-two was presented with a $2.5 million cheque in his hospital bed, courtesy of a GoFundMe campaign that raised funds from over 43,000 people
- Ahmed’s bravery has captured the hearts of Australians and people around the world, with his selfless act being described as “the best of Australians”
- As he receives the cheque, Ahmed issues a heartfelt plea for people to come together and forget past differences to save lives
Ahmed Al Ahmed, the hero who risked his life to disarm one of the gunmen responsible for the Bondi terror attack, has been presented with a staggering $2.5 million cheque from his hospital bed. The 43-year-old father-of-two, who was shot twice in the arm during the ordeal, was visibly moved as philanthropist Zachery Dereniowski handed him the cheque on Thursday.
As the room fell silent, Ahmed asked humbly, “I deserve it?” to which Dereniowski replied, “Every penny.” The hero’s bravery has captured the hearts of Australians and people around the world, with his selfless act being described as “the best of Australians”.
In a video posted to social media, Ahmed’s heartfelt plea for people to come together and forget past differences to save lives has resonated with millions. “Stand with each other, all human beings, and forget everything bad in the past and keep going to save lives,” he said. “When I do save the people, I do it from the heart, because it was a nice day, everyone enjoying, celebrating, kids, women, men, teenagers, all this, they were happy, they deserve to enjoy, it’s their right.”
Ahmed’s words have brought comfort to a nation still reeling from the terror attack, with many taking to social media to express their admiration for the hero. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns have both visited Ahmed in hospital, praising his bravery and selflessness.
“Ahmed, you are an Australian hero,” Albanese wrote on X. “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.”
As Ahmed continues to recover from his injuries, his bravery and selflessness will not be forgotten. The $2.5 million cheque is a testament to the power of kindness and generosity, with over 43,000 people contributing to the GoFundMe campaign in just four days.
Dereniowski, who presented Ahmed with the cheque, said, “Ahmed, the world loves you.” The Canadian philanthropist, known for his random acts of kindness, has a huge online following and has given away money, homes, and even cars to people in need.