Crowdfunder for Bondi beach hero raises more than $1.3 million in less than 24 hours
Ahmed el-Ahmed managed to disarm one of the two terrorists who carried out Sunday's attack on the Jewish community at a Bondi beach Chanukah event
A crowdfunder set up to support the member of the public who disarmed one of the gunmen during Sunday’s Bondi beach Chanukah terror attack has raised more than $1.3 million in less than 24 hours, with more than 20,000 people having donated to help the injured hero.
Video footage of yesterday’s terror attack in Sydney, Australia, showed an unarmed Ahmed el-Ahmed manage to grab a gun from one of the two terrorists, sustaining wounds to his hand and shoulder in the process. El-Ahmed, a 43-year old father of two, originally from Syria, is believed to run a fruit shop in Sydney. He underwent surgery yesterday for his injuries.
The crowdfunder was launched yesterday, with its organisers stating that “after witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who helped disarm one of the attackers during the Bondi tragedy, an act that prevented the loss of countless more lives, we felt compelled to act.
“In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety.”
The organisers of the crowdfunder made an initial donation of $50,000 themselves “to honour this absolute hero and help support him through recovery, and the lasting impact of this traumatic event.
“No one expects to be a hero, but when the moment came, he was.”
Donations since have ranged in size from $5 from regular members of the public, to $100,000, donated by Jewish-American billionaire hedge fund manager, Bill Ackman.
Many Jewish people were among those who donated, with comments from community donors including “thank you for showing the world what true bravery is”, “you are a true hero”, and “you saved generations of Jewish people and for that we are immensely thankful”.
A further fundraiser has been set up in the memory of Matilda, the 10-year old killed in Sunday’s terror attack. Initiated by the young girl’s language teacher, Irina Goodhew, it describes Matilda as “a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her. Yesterday, while celebrating Hanukkah, her young life was tragically taken. Her memory will live on in our hearts.
“Matilda’s mother, Valentina Poltavchenko, is the beneficiary of this fundraiser. All donations will be transferred directly to her to support the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
At the time of writing, more than $335,000 had been given.
Members of the public in Sydney have also answered the call for emergency blood donations to help those injured in the terror attack, with some waiting in queues for up to 7 hours to do so.
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