What unfolded at Bondi Beach on Sunday was horrifying — a sunny afternoon turned into chaos as gunfire ripped through one of Australia’s most iconic public spaces during the Chanukah by the Sea celebration. But in the midst of that terror, one man did what few could even imagine. Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner and father of two, tackled one of the armed suspects and disarmed him — quite literally risking his life to stop the carnage.
The attack, allegedly carried out by 24-year-old Naveed Akram and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, has left 16 people dead, including a child, in what authorities are calling one of the darkest days in Australian history. And yet, despite the tragedy, Ahmed’s courageous actions have sparked an outpouring of support, both at home and internationally.
Celebrities and influencers across Australia have stepped up, putting their money where their mouths are. Adam Sullivan, founder of the fitness app Evidence Based Training, kicked off a GoFundMe campaign for Ahmed with a $5,000 donation.
Then came influencer Anna Paul, who added a staggering $15,000. Reality star Harry Jowsey threw in another $10,000. Podcast hosts Ashy Bines and Tijana Bundalo also contributed. And in a jaw-dropping show of support from across the globe, American billionaire Bill Ackman donated $99,999.
Let that sink in — nearly $130,000 raised, and growing, to help a man who chose courage over fear. A man who could’ve run but instead launched himself at a gunman with military-grade weapons.
Footage of the attack shows Ahmed crouched behind a car, waiting. Then, when the moment came, he lunged — grabbing the shooter from behind, wrestling the weapon away, and eventually standing with the very gun that could’ve taken his life. He didn’t run. He disarmed a killer. And then, almost as if on instinct, he raised his hand and placed the gun by a tree, showing police that he wasn’t a threat — just a man trying to stop a nightmare.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Ahmed is Muslim — a detail that underscores the broader point here: heroism knows no religion. It knows no borders. It just knows the moment, and whether or not you step up.
Ahmed remains in hospital recovering from bullet wounds to his hand and arm. His cousin told 7News that doctors say he’s okay, but the full extent of his injuries is still unclear.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation, condemning the attack and vowing that Australia will not tolerate terrorism. He called for unity, saying that in this dark hour, Australians will stand with their Jewish neighbors, and with one another.
What Ahmed did wasn’t just brave — it was defining. In the worst of circumstances, he showed the best of humanity. And the message is clear: even when evil walks into a crowd, it can still be stopped by a single act of courage.
