Featured Image Credit: TikTok/mdmotivator
Topics: News, World News, Terrorism
Gerrard Kaonga
New footage shows Ahmed Al-Ahmed's beautiful response when he found out supporters had raised $2.5 million for him.
Ahmed has been dubbed a Bondi Beach hero after he successfully disarmed a gunmen who was shooting at people who had come out to the area in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah on December 14.
A video of Ahmed tackling and disarming one of the shooters went viral on social media and saw the 43-year-old Syrian-born fruit vendor praised for his efforts.
In his act of life-saving courage, Ahmed was shot twice and has remained in hospital receiving surgery for his injuries.
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Many people across the world were moved by his heroics and a fundraiser was launched for him.
Influencer Zachery Dereniowski, who goes by @mdmotivator on socials and co-organized the fundraiser, recently visited Ahmed in hospital and handed him a check of all the money raised, $2.5 million.
A video uploaded to Zachery’s TikTok page saw Ahmed ask when receiving the check: "I deserve it?"
Zachery first replied that the hero deserved ‘every penny’ before asking what he wanted to say to all of the people who had donated.
Speaking from his hospital bed, he said: “To stand with each other, all human beings and forget everything bad behind the back [in the past] and keep going to save lives.
“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 of this, everyone was happy and they deserve to enjoy and it's their right.
“This country, best country in the world, the best country in the world but we’re not going to stand and keep watching, enough is enough.
“God protect Australia. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie.”
People on social media were moved by Ahmed’s sweet words, and many praised him further.
One user wrote: “Ahmed, hero of Bondi Beach! Thanks for your bravery. Fine example of humanity. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
Another said: “This man should never have to pay for a meal for the rest of his life.”
A third wrote: “I am soo proud of you Ahmed Ahmed you put your life to save lives.”
With another simply adding: “Ahmed al Ahmad you are in the history of the world hero for your braveness and courage good bless you bro.”