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GoFundMe campaign initiator Zachery Dereniowski visited al-Ahmed in hospital on Wednesday, presenting a cheque totaling $2,533,585. Photo: Dereniowski's Instagram
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - More than $2.5 million has been raised for Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old Syrian-born Australian who tackled and disarmed an attacker during the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia that killed 15 people.
GoFundMe campaign initiator Zachery Dereniowski visited al-Ahmed in hospital on Wednesday, presenting a cheque totaling $2,533,585. “Ahmed, the world loves you,” Dereniowski wrote on Instagram.
Al-Ahmed, a Muslim father of two and fruit shop owner, was hailed as a hero after footage of him confronting the attacker went viral. He was shot twice in the arm by a second gunman during the incident.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited al-Ahmed at St George Hospital in Sydney on Tuesday, praising his bravery.
“It was a great honour to meet Ahmed al-Ahmedi. He is a true Australian hero,” Albanese said. “He represents the best of our country.”
Ahmed has also been praised by international leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who described him as “a very, very brave person.”
“We’re seeing an outpouring of love for Ahmed al-Ahmed following his heroic actions at Bondi Beach,” GoFundMe said.
The attack occurred around on Sunday during a Hanukkah celebration attended by about 1,000 people.
Police said the suspects were a father and son; the father was killed at the scene, while the son is being treated in hospital.
Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the shooting was a “terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State.”
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