This was published 3 months ago
‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie’: Ahmed al Ahmed receives $2.5 million cheque in hospital bed
Updated ,first published
Ahmed al Ahmed has received a novelty cheque for the more than $2.5 million raised by more than 43,000 worldwide donors, inspired by his extraordinary bravery that is credited with saving more than 30 people under siege at the Hanukkah event targeted by the Bondi alleged terrorists on Sunday.
Ahmed was presented with the cheque at his St George hospital bed by Zachery Dereniowski, a Canadian social media influencer and co-organiser of the GoFundMe page that attracted donations from American billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, Hollywood comedian Amy Schumer, and Charlton Howard, the given name of Australian musician Kid Laroi.
Ahmed was watching the Big Bash cricket on TV when he was approached by Dereniowski, who hugged the hero bystander before presenting him with the cheque. When handed the cheque, Ahmed asks “I deserve it?” to which Dereniowski responds, “every penny”.
When asked what message he would have for those across the world lauding him as a hero, Ahmed said it was important to “stand with each other”, raising his fist in the air as he called for unity.
“When I do save the people, I do it from the heart, because it was a nice day, everyone enjoying celebrating, with their kids, woman, man, teenager all this, everyone was happy and they deserve, they deserve to enjoy,” Ahmed said.
“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.”
Footage of Ahmed ambushing and wrestling a long-arm rifle off Sajid Akram, the 50-year-old terrorist killed by police in Bondi on Sunday, went viral, and has thrust the Sutherland Shire store owner into overnight hero status.
He has received hospital visits from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns, while his parents and extended family have remained by his side. He has undergone several surgeries to treat gunshot wounds suffered in the terror attack, and he faces a long road to recovery.
More than a dozen flower bouquets have been left outside Ahmed’s shop, which has been closed throughout the week.
A message addressed on behalf of Sutherland residents and stuck to the roller shutters reads: “Thank you Mr Ahmed. We are so very proud of you.”
Another message scrawled in pink crayon on the nearby footpath read: “Thank you. We all [love] you xxx.”
A collection of colourful drawings include a golden outline of a trophy, labelling Ahmed the “world’s best hero”.
Included on the piece of paper was “no more guns for everyone”, and “thank you for being our hero. We are proud of you”.
Hero who accompanied Ahmed against gunmen identified
The person who ran alongside Ahmed as he confronted Akram has been identified as Gefen Bitton, an Israeli citizen who had run towards the line of fire after initially fleeing to a safe area.
Bitton, 30, spent most of Sunday hiking in the Blue Mountains, but returned to Bondi in the evening to attend the Hanukkah event. He followed Ahmed as he ambushed and wrestled a long-arm rifle off Akram, where he was shot twice.
“Gefen has escaped, he was safe, but when he saw the terrorist, he ran into the line of fire to help,” a statement from Bitton’s family and a friend read.
“He ran into the face of danger like only a hero does, guided by the values on which he was educated and raised. A true hero that deserves recognition.”
Bitton’s father has travelled to Sydney from Israel to support his son. Gefen, who was treated by the intensive care unit at St Vincent’s Hospital, came out of a coma on Thursday and remains in hospital.
More Bondi terror coverage
- Spartan and small: This is the dusty Philippine hotel room where Bondi gunmen holed up for a month
- Hero cop identified: A Bondi-based detective with more than 15 years in the force, fired at the gunmen from about 40 metres away
- Anthony Albanese had a choice to make: Angry about the Bondi massacre, the prime minister has laid out a plan to fight antisemitism
- 59 offences: Bondi gunman, Naveed Akram, charged with 59 offences including 15 murders
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Daniel Lo Surdo is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. He previously helmed the national news live blog for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via email.