'Do I deserve it?': Bondi Hero Ahmed al-Ahmed gets $2.5 million cheque in hospital bed

Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Syrian-born tobacco shop owner in Sydney, has received a cheque for more than $2.5 million from 43,000 worldwide donors for his heroic efforts during the mass shooting at Australia’s

Bondi Beach.

Ahmed, who was wounded during the attack, is credited with saving more than 30 people who were under siege during a Hanukkah celebration targeted by suspected terrorists on December 14. Fifteen people were killed in the shooting attack at Bondi Beach.

He sustained five bullet wounds when tackling a longarm rifle from 50-year-old shooter Sajid Akram who was firing at Jewish families. His heroic actions earned him global recognition and praise from the country's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who called him a "true Australian hero".

Zachery Dereniowski, a Canadian social media personality and co-organiser of the GoFundMe page, delivered the check to Ahmed at his St George hospital bed, reported The Sydney Morning Herald.

In a heartwarming video, Ahmed was seen asking, "I deserve it?" as Dereniowski replied, "Every Penny." Ahmed expressed gratitude to donors, saying, "To stand with each other, all human beings. And forget everything bad, behind the back [in the past] and keep going to save lives."

???????????? BONDI HERO AHMED AL AHMED HANDED $2.5 MILLION CHECK IN HOSPITAL: "GOD PROTECT AUSTRALIA"

The Syrian refugee who wrestled a rifle from one of the Bondi Beach terrorists has received a $2.5 million check from 43,000 donors, including a $99,999 contribution from American… pic.twitter.com/jLGwZpK43J

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 18, 2025

He added, "When I do save the people, I do it from the heart, because it was a nice day, everyone enjoying celebrating, with their kids, women, men, teenager all this, everyone was happy and they deserve, they deserve to enjoy."

“It’s their right, this country, best country in the world, best country in the world, but we’re not going to stand and keep watching – enough is enough. God protect Australia. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie," he continued.

The GoFundMe page, set up by CarHub Australia, raised over $1.7 million from 29,000 donors, including US billionaire Bill Ackman ($99,999), comedian Amy Schumer ($2,257), and Australian musician Kid Laroi ($5,000).

Born in Idlib, Syria, Ahmed arrived in Australia in 2006. He owns Cigara, a tobacco shop in the Sydney suburb of Sutherland. His bravery has inspired many, with locals, politicians and celebrities praising his selfless act.

He received bedside visits from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Governor-General Sam Mostyn. Initial media reports mistakenly identified Ahmed as a fruit shop owner.