Ahmed Al Ahmed, hailed as a hero for his actions during the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack, has issued a powerful rebuke to critics questioning the $2.5 million raised in his name as he continues to grapple with devastating injuries.
A Hero's Pain and Sacrifice
The 43-year-old former tobacco shop owner was seriously wounded on 14 December while disarming gunman Sajid Akram during the Hanukkah celebration attack, which claimed 15 lives. Doctors have removed one bullet from his shoulder and repaired nerve damage, but he faces the grim possibility of permanent injury and further surgery.
While recuperating, Mr Al Ahmed was presented with the substantial cheque from a global fundraiser that attracted over 43,000 donations. However, in a raw social media post, he expressed deep sadness at negative commentary focusing on the benefits he received.
"When I see negative comments and messages, or some media outlets focusing only on the benefits I received in an unprofessional way, I feel deep sadness," he stated. "They forget that I was shot five times, and two bullets are still in my body. I live with that pain day and night."
Confronting the Harsh Reality of Recovery
His most profound challenge is the loss of movement. "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," he revealed. "So what money or honour can ever equal this loss?"
He questioned whether any critic would willingly trade their own hand for financial compensation, emphasising that his actions were driven by humanity, not reward. "I do not regret what I did... But it hurts me to see some weak‑minded people turn this into a business deal instead of understanding the sacrifice."
Mr Al Ahmed is currently in the United States, having travelled to New York in January for the Colel Chabad awards gala, a charity event supporting vulnerable families in Israel. The trip has been marred by medical setbacks, including a sudden severe swelling in his hand on 10 January that forced him to cancel meetings.
Moving Forward Amid Ongoing Challenges
Despite the pain, his spirits have been lifted by meetings with notable figures, including filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and former Australian PM Kevin Rudd. Meanwhile, another hero from the attack, 30-year-old Israeli national Gefen Bitton, was granted permanent residency in Australia last week, giving him access to crucial Medicare and NDIS support for his ongoing treatment.
The attack on 14 December, allegedly carried out by Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, resulted in the tragic deaths of 15 people, including 10-year-old Matilda Bee. As the community continues to heal, the physical and emotional toll on those who intervened remains starkly evident.
