The man who heroically disarmed one of the gunmen responsible for the Bondi terror attack has been presented with a $2.5 million cheque from his hospital bed.

Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, managed to crash tackle one of the shooters on Sunday.

Incredible video captured the father-of-two crouching behind a car before pouncing on the gunman, taking his rifle off him and pointing it back at the offender.

In the ensuing gunfire, the shop owner from the Sutherland Shire was shot twice in the arm.

Video of Ahmed’s bravery went viral on social media and he quickly became a household name not only in Australia but across the world.

A GoFundMe was set up for Ahmed in the wake of the tragedy, which in only four days has raised over $2.5 million for the hero.

On Thursday Ahmed, who remains in St George Hospital, was visited by philanthropist Zachery Dereniowski.

He presented Ahmed with a cheque for the money raised through the donations of more than 43,000 people.

“I came here with news of people around the world, 43,000 people. They raised you $2.5 million dollars,” Dereniowski told Ahmed in a video he posted to social media.

The hero asked: “I deserve it?”

Dereniowski replied: “Every penny.”

The philanthropist asked Ahmed if he had anything to say to those who donated, to which he replied that everyone needed to come together.

“Stand with each other, all human beings, and forget everything bad in the past and keep going to save lives,” Ahmed said.

“When I do save the people, I do it from the heart, 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.

“This country is the best country in the world. God protect Australia.”

Dereniowski, better known as mdmotivator on social media, was part of the team who organised the fundraiser for Ahmed.

The Canadian has a huge online following, boasting 25.7 million followers on TikTok and 8.8 million on Instagram.

He is known for his random acts of kindness in which he gives away money, homes or even cars to people in need.

Dereniowski said he had once lived in Sydney for two years when he studied medicine, and that the city had a special place in his heart.

“Ahmed, the world loves you,” he said on Instagram following his meeting with the hero.

Ahmed has been visited by both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns while in hospital.

“Ahmed, you are an Australian hero,” Albanese wrote on X.

“You put yourself at risk to save others, running towards danger on Bondi Beach and disarming a terrorist. In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians.

“And that’s exactly what we saw on Sunday night. On behalf of every Australian, I say thank you.” (7 News)

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The man who tackled one of the Bondi shooters has spoken from hospital as he recovers from his injuries and has been visited by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who praised him as “the best of our country”.

Ahmed al-Ahmed, 43, risked his life to disarm one of the alleged Bondi attackers and save multiple lives in Sydney on Sunday evening.

Turkey’s public broadcaster, TRT World, on Tuesday posted a video of Ahmed being wheeled around hospital while he sent prayers to supporters.

“I appreciate the efforts of everyone,” he said in Arabic.

“May Allah reward you and grant you wellbeing. God willing, we will return to you with joy. Thank you for your efforts.

“I went through a very difficult phase, only Allah knows it … I ask my mother, the apple of my eye, to pray for me.”

The governor general, Sam Mostyn, visited the Syrian-born shopkeeper on Tuesday afternoon at St George hospital in Sydney’s south, where he had undergone surgery on two gunshot wounds.

Carrying flowers picked from Admiralty House, she thanked him on behalf of the public and of King Charles, who she said had specifically asked after the man overnight.

“For Ahmed, he wants to send thanks for … that moment of absolute heroics that we’ve all been staggered by and so grateful for,” Mostyn said.

She said she expected Ahmed would receive a bravery award and that he had already been nominated “many, many times”.

The prime minister on Tuesday morning spent nearly half an hour visiting the man he described as “the best of our country”

Ahmed thanked Anthony Albanese as he lay in his hospital bed, a fluid drip and bouquets of flowers beside him, with his left harm heavily bandaged.

“Your heart is strong, your courage is inspiring,” Abbanese said, shaking Ahmed’s right hand in a video posted to Instagram.

The prime minister told reporters the man was recovering ahead of further surgery on Wednesday and explained his thought processes on Sunday evening during their conversation.

“He was trying to get a cup of coffee, simple as that, and found himself at a moment where people were being shot in front of him,” the prime minister said.

“He decided to take action and his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians. He is a very humble man.”

Albanese also met Ahmed’s mother and father in the hospital, visiting from Syria, who he said were “very proud” of their son.

The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, visited Ahmed in hospital and spoke to him on Monday night.

The former prime minister John Howard also lauded Ahmed’s bravery, speaking to Sky News on Tuesday.

“The single act of greatest courage we’ve seen is that magnificent man who tackled the bloke with the gun, and I understand he’s a Muslim,” Howard said.

“There are good people of every persuasion in this wonderful country about and although it’s a terrible tragedy and a reminder that anything can happen here, we should not lose faith in the Australian achievement.”

A GoFundMe set up to support the man has attracted over $2m in donations, including a $99,999 donation from William Ackman, the US billionaire and founder of hedge fund Pershing Square. (The Guardian)

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath has expressed his condolences to the victims of the attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

“Deeply saddened by the attack at Bondi Beach. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Australia and reaffirm our strong opposition to terrorism in all its forms,” he said in a post on ‘X’. 

Two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday night, killing 15 people who ranged in age from 10 years old to 87.

State health officials said at least 40 people remained hospitalised as of Monday morning, including several people in critical condition.

The gunmen were a father and son, according to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon. The 50-year-old attacker was killed in a shootout with police, while the 24-year-old remains in hospital. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra says no Sri Lankans in Australia were reported to be harmed in the series of shootings that occurred at Bondi Beach on Sunday.

Speaking to Newswire today, the Deputy Minister Hemachandra noted that Sri Lankan authorities are continuing to monitor the incident.

Two gunmen opened fire, targeting crowds gathered at Bondi Beach in Sydney, claiming the lives of 15 people and injuring 42 others, including two police officers.

Reports reveal that the gunmen had targeted the Jewish community’s religious festival ‘Hanukkah,’ which was scheduled to be held yesterday at Bondi Beach with the participation of around 1,000 people. (Newswire)

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