The man hailed as a hero for tackling a gunman at Bondi Beach has been left overwhelmed – and deeply humbled – after being presented with a $2.5 million cheque raised by grateful people from Australia and all around the world.
Ahmed al Ahmed received the extraordinary sum, donated through GoFundMe, while recovering in his hospital bed following the dramatic and selfless act that helped save lives on Sunday.
His first response was disbelief.
“I deserve it?” he asked quietly.
Speaking shortly after, Ahmed turned the spotlight away from himself and back onto the values he says truly matter.
“Stand with each other, all human beings, and forget everything bad in the past and keep going to save lives,” he said, addressing the thousands of donors who contributed.
Ahmed explained that his actions were instinctive and came straight from the heart.
“When I do, save the people, I do it from the heart,” he said. “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.”
The overwhelming public response has become a powerful symbol of unity and gratitude, with Australians from all walks of life rallying behind a man whose courage resonated far beyond Bondi’s shoreline.
As he continues his recovery, Ahmed had one final message for the country that has embraced him as a hero.
“This country is the best country in the world,” he said. “God protect Australia.”
Images: TikTok
