An outpouring of public support has seen more than $1 million donated to a Sydney shop owner who was seriously injured while intervening in the deadly Bondi Beach shooting during a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday night. The man’s actions are being widely credited with preventing further loss of life.Final Words Before the Intervention
Moments before confronting the alleged gunman, Ahmed El-Ahmed, 43, spoke to his cousin Jozay Alkanj, expressing the danger he believed he was about to face.
“I’m going to die. Please tell my family that I went down to save people’s lives,”
Mr Alkanj later recalled outside the hospital.
Those words were spoken seconds before Mr El-Ahmed moved toward the armed suspect.
What Happened at Bondi Beach
Video footage circulating online shows Mr El-Ahmed cautiously moving through a car park along Campbell Parade, using parked vehicles for cover before running at the alleged shooter. After a struggle, he managed to wrestle the firearm away.
The incident occurred during the “Chanukah by the Sea” event, attended by hundreds marking the first night of Hanukkah.
Police say the attack involved Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot dead by officers at the scene, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, who was taken to hospital under police guard with critical injuries. Authorities believe the pair had extremist motivations, according to ABC News reporting.
Injuries and Medical Condition
Mr El-Ahmed sustained two gunshot wounds to his shoulder and arm and remains in hospital following surgery. Family members say further procedures may be required.
“He’s had the first surgery. We think there may be two or three more,” Mr Alkanj said.
Doctors have described his condition as stable.
Public Support and Donations
The dramatic footage prompted the launch of a GoFundMe campaign, which surpassed $1 million in donations within days. More than 18,000 people have contributed, including a $100,000 donation from U.S. billionaire Bill Ackman.
The funds are intended to support Mr El-Ahmed and his family during his recovery.
Who Is Ahmed El-Ahmed?
Syrian-born Australian who arrived in Sydney over a decade ago
Owner of Cigara, a tobacconist and convenience store in Sutherland, opened in 2021
Father of two daughters, aged five and six
His shop remains closed while he recovers
His mother has said she was overwhelmed with emotion upon learning of her son’s actions.
Leaders Praise “Extraordinary Courage”
NSW Premier Chris Minns, who visited Mr El-Ahmed in hospital, said his bravery clearly saved lives.
“There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage,” the Premier said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the sentiment, calling the actions of bystanders who ran toward danger a powerful reminder of national values.
“In the midst of evil and sadness, Australians showed extraordinary bravery,” he said.
Victims of the Attack
Authorities have confirmed at least 16 people were killed, with dozens more injured. Victims include:
Matilda, 10
Matilda was attending the Hanukkah event when she was fatally shot. Her aunt confirmed her death in a social media post, describing the loss as unimaginable.
A GoFundMe established by her language teacher describes her as a joyful and spirited child. Funds raised are being directed to her mother, Valentina Poltavchenk.
Peter Meagher
A former police officer, Mr Meagher was volunteering and pursuing photography after retirement. He was reportedly at Bondi Beach on a photography assignment when the shooting occurred. Tributes describe him as generous, community-minded, and deeply committed to grassroots sport.
Slovakia’s President Peter Pellegrini also confirmed that a Slovak national, Marika, was among those killed.
The Bondi Beach shooting has been described by leaders as one of Australia’s darkest days since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Amid the grief, Mr El-Ahmed’s actions have come to symbolize courage, solidarity, and the willingness of ordinary people to protect others at great personal risk.
As Premier Minns noted:
“Even in moments of profound darkness, there are people prepared to risk everything for strangers—and that matters.”
Source:Africa Publicity
