The GoFundMe for Ahmed al Ahmed — praised for tackling and disarming a shooter at a Dec. 14 Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach — has raised $2.64 million from nearly 45,000 donors. Video shows the Syrian-born Australian father of two confronting and disarming an assailant while reportedly being shot twice. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other leaders have called him a hero. Authorities are treating the attack as a terror incident; one suspect has been charged with murder and an alleged accomplice died at the scene.
Bondi Beach Good Samaritan’s GoFundMe Tops $2.64M After He Disarmed Shooter
Fundraiser for 'Australian hero' who disarmed terrorist during Bondi Beach mass shooting surpasses $2.6M
More than $2.64 million has been raised for Ahmed al Ahmed, the man widely credited with disarming one of the attackers during the Dec. 14 mass shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Footage Shows Heroic Intervention
Video of the incident shows al Ahmed, a Syrian-born Australian and father of two young daughters, approaching an assailant from behind as gunfire is heard off-camera. He then tackles the alleged gunman, wrests the firearm away and holds the attacker at gunpoint. Organizers and eyewitnesses say al Ahmed was reportedly shot twice while protecting others.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visits Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, at a hospital in Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 15, 2025.
“In a moment of chaos and danger, Ahmed al-Ahmed stepped forward without hesitation,” the GoFundMe description reads. “His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety.”
Community Support and Official Praise
The fundraiser had collected roughly $2.64 million from nearly 45,000 donations as of Sunday morning. Social media influencer and one of the campaign organizers, Zachery Dereniowski, visited al Ahmed in a Sydney hospital and presented a check for $2.5 million — the amount raised at that time. In video shared online, al Ahmed appeared overwhelmed and asked, "I deserve it?" Dereniowski responded, "Every penny."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited al Ahmed and called him an "Australian hero," saying on X that he ran toward danger to save others. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also praised his actions, with officials saying al Ahmed’s bravery likely saved lives.
Rabbi Yossi Friedman leads a tribute for the victims of a mass shooting during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14, in Sydney, Australia, Dec. 20, 2025.
Investigation and Charges
Australian authorities are treating the shooting as a terror attack directed at the Jewish community. The attack left at least 15 people dead. Police charged a 24-year-old man with murder in connection with the incident; a 50-year-old alleged accomplice, described as the suspect’s father, died at the scene, officials said.
The GoFundMe campaign organizers say the fundraiser was launched to express gratitude and provide support for al Ahmed and his family as he recovers. The incident has prompted a national conversation in Australia about community resilience and confronting violent extremism.
Reporting: This article is based on footage, official statements and reporting from multiple sources.
