An astonishing $1 million has been generated to support the courageous bystander who intervened during the Bondi Beach terror incident.
The tragic event claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals and left many more injured when two attackers opened fire on families at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14. Authorities have labeled it as a terrorist act.
The attack occurred during a gathering of over 1,000 Jewish people celebrating Hannukah.
The victims identified so far include a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, a British Rabbi, a retired New South Wales police officer, and a French national.
The alleged assailants, accused of executing the deadliest assault on Australian soil in thirty years, have been named as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24.
Sajid was pronounced dead at the site, while Naveed remains in critical condition at the hospital.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the duo acted independently and were not part of a larger network, although they were driven by extremist ideologies.
The world has been keenly following the recovery of an unarmed civilian who bravely disarmed one of the gunmen during the chaos.
Ahmad Al Ahmed’s valiant efforts have captured global attention. He was caught on video risking his own safety to confront the attacker.
Ahmed, a Syrian immigrant who relocated to Australia in 2006, was initially seen hiding behind parked cars while the attacker was firing indiscriminately.
In a tense moment, Ahmed emerged from his cover and engaged the suspect in a struggle over the firearm.
He successfully disarmed the suspect and turned the weapon on him.
This father of two has been hailed for his bravery, which likely averted further casualties as people fled the beach.
A fundraising campaign for the 43-year-old Sydney fruit shop owner has already surpassed $1 million and continues to climb.
Billionaire Bill Ackman, a Jewish investment banker, contributed $99,000 to the GoFundMe campaign.
The GoFundMe, created to express appreciation and support for Ahmed, states: “After witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who helped disarm one of the attackers during the Bondi tragedy, an act that prevented the loss of countless more lives, we felt compelled to act.
“In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety. Early reports indicate he was shot twice in the process while protecting others.”
Ahmed’s family confirmed his injuries, which include gunshot wounds to his arm and hand. Thankfully, he is recovering.
His cousin, Mustafa, told 7News Australia: “He is a hero, 100 percent he is a hero. He has two shots, one in his arm and one in his hand.”
In a recent update, Mustafa added: “I hope he will be fine. I saw him last night. He was alright but we’re waiting to see what the doctor (says).”
His father remarked: “When he did what he did, he wasn’t thinking about the background of the people he’s saving, the people dying in the street. He doesn’t discriminate between one nationality and another. Especially here in Australia, there’s no difference between one citizen and another.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also visited Ahmed in the hospital, tweeting: “Ahmed is a real-life hero. Last night, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk.
“It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW.
“There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage.”
You can contribute to the GoFundMe here.