Hero of Bondi Beach Hailed as a Role Model to The World

As he recovers in hospital, a fundraiser in his honour has quietly grown into an outpouring of gratitude worth over $2 million for his courage that saved countless lives.

Ahmed al-Ahmed | X

In a moment of chaos and danger, Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, plunged forward without hesitation to help disarm one of the attackers during the ghastly incident in Australia. His actions were instinctive, selfless, and taken without any regard for his own safety.

As news (and videos) of his heroism spread, people around the world felt compelled to act. At time of writing, a fundraiser set up in Ahmed’s honour has raised more than $2 million, a powerful outpouring of gratitude for the man many now consider a true hero. More than 39,000 people have donated to the fundraiser, many leaving heartfelt messages of love and support.

"I have been so so moved since first watching the video of your out-of-this-world courage and bravery. You are one of humanity’s finest, Ahmed. I simply lack the words to express the gratitude I feel for you and what you have done. You are a role model to the world. Love from Berlin, Kristina."

"You are more more than a good man, Ahmed, you are the best of us in the darkest of times. Thank you."

"Ahmed, you are an Australian hero. Your bravery in the face of such violence is truly inspiring. We are a better country - and a better world because of you. Thank you. Tegan and Kolten."

As the fundraising page says: "No one expects to be a hero, but when the moment came, he was."