Bondi Beach hero’s emotional response as he is handed £1.25million cheque in hospital mattress
Unarmed Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, was seen grappling with a gunman in a video that went viral shortly after the attack which left at least 15 dead as Jewish families celebrated the start of Hanukkah
Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed handed $2.5m cheque for his heroism
This is the heartwarming moment brave Bondi Beach hero Ahmed al Ahmed is handed a cheque for £1.24m in his hospital bed.
The fearless fruit shop owner, 43, was seen grappling with a gunman in a viral video during the massacre, which left 15 people dead last weekend as Jewish families celebrated the start of Hanukkah.
The Syrian-born dad-of-two – hailed a “hero of Australia” for his courageous actions – was hit by five bullets as he wrestled a huge rifle from on the shooter’s hands.
Footage captured the moment the Syrian-born father of two learned some 43,000 people from across the world had donated money to honour his bravery. And the humble hero asked: “I deserve it? Thank you very much.”
Asked by fundraiser organiser influencer Zachary Dereniowski what he would say to the tens of thousands of people who donated, the fearless father said: “To stand with each other, all human beings.
“And put everything bad behind the back [in the past] and keep going to save lives. When I saved the people, I did it from the heart.
“Because it was a nice day, everyone enjoying, celebrating with their kids. Women, men, teenagers, everyone was happy. And they deserve to enjoy and it’s their right.”
Holding up a fist, he added: “God protect Australia. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!”
At least 15 people were killed in the attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday but Ahmed’s heroic actions are thought to have saved more lives. He sprung out from behind a car to sneak up on one of the attackers before disarming him.
But it is feared he may lose his arm after suffering five gunshot wounds and undergoing multiple surgeries. His former immigration lawyer Sam Issa told The Australian: “It’s a serious injury – far more serious than has been reported.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Mr Ahmed in hospital this week, calling the father-of-two “the best of our country”.
Dereniowski, known online as @mdmotivator, has amassed more than 26 million followers on TikTok for his heartwarming ‘giveback’ videos where he performs acts of kindness and helps strangers as well as raising mental health awareness.
Ahmed’s fundraiser, launched by CarHub Australia, is one of several established in the days since the terror attack.
Donations to verified GoFundMe campaigns are at about $5 million, including nearly $800,000 for the family of the youngest victim, ten-year-old Matilda, whose Ukrainian parents said they chose the name as it was “the most Australian name they could think of.”
More than $650,000 has been raised for the family of Sofia and Boris Gurman, who were also hailed as heroes after they were killed attempting to put a swift end to the attack.
Donations to the family of slain Rabbi Eli Schlanger have surpassed $360,000 and a further $72,000 for Boris Tetleroyd, who was shot alongside his son at the event.
Gunman Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. His son Naveed, 24, was rushed to hospital under police guard with critical injuries. He spent two days in a coma before being hit with dozens of charges, including 15 counts of murder.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here .
