More than one million dollars has now been raised to support Ahmed al Ahmed, the 43-year-old Sydney man who stepped in to stop a mass shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025. His brave action, captured on video around the time of a Hanukkah celebration, has drawn wide praise and heartfelt support from around the world.
Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit shop owner and father of two, was visiting the beach when gunfire erupted. Instead of fleeing, he ran toward danger, tackled one of the attackers from behind, and wrestled a rifle from the gunman. The struggle forced the shooter to retreat and may have prevented further loss of life. During the confrontation, Ahmed was shot, suffering wounds to his arm and hand, and was taken to the hospital for surgery.
Within days, tens of thousands of people donated through a GoFundMe fundraiser set up to help him with medical bills and recovery. The total quickly passed one million Australian dollars, equal to more than seven hundred thousand US dollars, with contributions from everyday supporters and prominent figures alike.
Leaders and public figures have honoured him as a true example of courage. The Premier of New South Wales called his act “genuine heroism,” and international voices also acknowledged his selfless choice to act when others were in danger.
As Ahmed continues to recover in the hospital, the funds will give his family financial breathing room and underscore the global gratitude for someone who put his own life at risk to protect others.
