$2 million raised for Bondi beach hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed

In a powerful display of courage amid tragedy, Ahmed Al-Ahmed has emerged as the "Sydney hero" following the devastating mass shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025.

A now-viral video shows that during a Hanukkah celebration, father-and-son attackers Sajid and Naveed Akram opened fire, killing at least 16 people and injuring others in an attack reportedly inspired by extremist ideology.

Video footage circulating widely on X shows the dramatic moment al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old Syrian-born Muslim father of two, sprang into action.

Spotting one of the gunmen in a nearby parking lot, the fruit vendor vaulted over parked cars and tackled the assailant from behind, wrestling the weapon away and helping to end the rampage.

His quick thinking undoubtedly saved countless lives, though he sustained serious injuries requiring surgery.

A GoFundMe campaign, titled "Support the Hero Who Disarmed a Bondi Attacker," was swiftly established to aid al-Ahmed's recovery and support his family.

As highlighted in a viral post by @cb_doge on December 16, the fundraiser has surged past $2 million, with over $2,002,611 raised toward a $3.1 million goal.

Contributions have flooded in from diverse communities, including prominent Jewish donors grateful for his protection of event attendees.

Australian leaders, including the Prime Minister, have visited Al-Ahmed in hospital, praising his selflessness.

The outpouring of support transcends backgrounds, symbolizing unity against hate.

As one commenter noted, a regular person doing the right thing has reminded the world that humanity is not lost.

Al-Ahmed's instinctive heroism and the global response reaffirm faith in shared values of bravery and compassion in the face of evil.