Ahmed Al Ahmed, hailed as a hero following his brave actions during the Bondi Beach terror attack, has expressed his frustration over criticism surrounding the $2.5 million raised to support him in his recovery. Despite enduring severe injuries while disarming the attacker, some have questioned the financial support he has received.
The former tobacco store owner became a national and international hero after his courageous attempt to stop gunman Sajid Akram during the Hanukkah celebrations on December 14. The tragic event claimed the lives of 15 people, and in the process of subduing the attacker, Al Ahmed suffered significant injuries.
Medical teams have successfully removed a bullet from his shoulder and addressed nerve damage, though concerns remain about potential permanent injuries that may necessitate further surgeries.
During his recovery in the hospital, Mr. Al Ahmed was honored with a $2.5 million check, the result of a global fundraising effort that drew over 43,000 contributions. This remarkable show of support highlighted the widespread admiration for his bravery.
However, in a heartfelt social media post on Monday night, Al Ahmed confronted those who have disparaged the fundraising initiative and the recognition he has received.
“When I see negative comments and messages, or some media outlets focusing solely on the benefits I received in an unprofessional manner, it deeply saddens me,” he shared, addressing the negativity that has overshadowed his commendable actions.
‘They forget that I was shot five times, and two bullets are still in my body. I live with that pain day and night.
‘What is even harder is that I still cannot move my hand or fingers. Doctors have told me that I may lose movement in my hand forever.
Ahmed Al Ahmed (pictured) says he has received criticism for the praise and fundraising he received after he confronted one of the Bondi Beach attackers
He said two bullets are still in his body after Hanukkah attack at Bondi Beach on December 14
Mr Al Ahmed said he also cannot move his hand or fingers
‘So what money or honour can ever equal this loss? Is there anyone among these negative people who would be willing to give up their hand for money and give me my hand back the way it was?
‘I do not regret what I did, because I acted out of humanity and the values I was raised with.
‘But it hurts me to see some weak‑minded people turn this into a business deal instead of understanding the sacrifice.’
Mr Al Ahmed shared a photo of the scars on his shoulder from the attack, as well as a shot of him in a hospital room holding his injured hand, eyes closed and seemingly in pain.
The hero is currently in the United States, having travelled to New York earlier in January for the annual Colel Chabad awards gala dinner, alongside Sydney Rabbi Yehoram Ulman.
The charity event raises funds for vulnerable families in Israel, with individual tickets priced from $1,000 USD ($1,485 AUD).
However, the trip has not been without challenges, as he reportedly suffered a ‘sudden swelling’ in his hand and severe pain on 10 January.
Footage shared by Mr Al Ahmed on Instagram showed him lying in a hotel room, his left hand propped up on four pillows to elevate it.
Mr Al Ahmed disarmed gunman Sajid Akram during the Hanukkah attack
Mr Al Ahmed said he suffered a ‘sudden swelling’ in his hand while in New York, which he said was a discouraging part of his recovery (pictured, injured just after the Bondi Beach attack)
But Mr Al Ahmed recovered enough to meet newly-minted Mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani
‘I was scheduled to attend several meetings, but due to the sudden swelling in my hand and the severe pain, I had to cancel them all,’ he said on Instagram.
He said he was ‘discouraged’ when pain medicine wore off but remembered that he protected innocent people and felt hope thanks to those wishing for his recovery.
After making a recovery in the past week, he has met with notable figures, including Hollywood filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, Mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani, and outgoing Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd.
Another hero, 30‑year‑old Israeli national Gefen Bitton, was granted permanent residency in Australia last week after he sprinted to help end the attack.
It means that Mr Bitton now has access to Medicare and NDIS support as his extensive and ongoing medical treatment continues.
‘We’re seeing small improvements daily, as he is now more awake. Every step counts,’ a fundraiser update stated.
Fifteen people, including 10‑year‑old girl Matilda Bee, were killed in the 14 December attack at Bondi Beach when Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, allegedly opened fire on a crowd celebrating Hanukkah.
