Summary:
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When chaos erupted near Bondi Beach, 15 killed and dozens injured in targeted terrorist attack against Jewish community.
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Ahmed al Ahmed tackled gunman during attack, shot multiple times, hailed as hero by officials and public alike.
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GoFundMe campaign raises over $1 million for hero’s medical costs, organized by social media influencer Zachery Dereniowski.
When gunfire erupted near Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday, chaos followed. Fifteen people were killed, dozens more were injured, and Australia was left reeling from what police have declared a targeted terrorist attack against the Jewish community.
Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner and father of two, was meeting a friend for coffee when he saw people bleeding on the ground. Women. Children. Panic everywhere. According to his father, Ahmed did not hesitate.
Verified video footage shows al Ahmed sprinting from behind a parked car, tackling one of the gunmen, wrestling the weapon from his hands, and forcing the attacker to retreat. He was shot multiple times during the struggle and later underwent surgery for wounds to his shoulder and hand. He is now reported to be in stable condition.
Police say two shooters were involved, a father and son, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid Akram died at the scene. His son remains hospitalized in critical condition.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called al Ahmed a “real-life hero,” saying his actions “no doubt saved countless lives.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed that sentiment, praising Australians who “ran towards danger in order to help others.”
Even U.S. President Donald Trump referenced the moment while speaking at a White House Christmas reception, calling al Ahmed “a very, very brave person” who saved lives by confronting a shooter head-on.
A GoFundMe campaign titled “Support the Hero Who Disarmed a Bondi Attacker” quickly gained traction, raising more than $1 million in donations within days. One of the largest single contributions came from billionaire investor Bill Ackman, who donated A$99,999, calling al Ahmed a “brave hero.”
Zachery Dereniowski, better known as @mdmotivator on TikTok and Instagram, helped amplify and organize the GoFundMe effort. Dereniowski is widely known for viral acts of generosity, from tipping service workers thousands of dollars to paying off strangers’ rent, medical bills, or student loans. His content often blends social experiments with direct financial support, spotlighting everyday people in moments of need.
Rather than a surprise giveaway, Dereniowski used his platform to direct attention toward someone the internet was already calling a hero. In an Instagram post, he urged followers to support al Ahmed and his family as he recovers, helping push the fundraiser past the seven-figure mark.
As al Ahmed continues his recovery, the funds raised are expected to help cover medical costs and support his family. More broadly, the outpouring of support has turned a horrifying moment into one defined, at least in part, by courage and solidarity.
