Fundraiser for Bondi Hero Nears $1.5 Million After Bill Ackman Donates $100,000

SYDNEY — A fundraising campaign established to support Ahmed al Ahmed, the civilian who disarmed a terrorist during the deadly Hanukkah attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, is nearing $1.5 million after a major donation from billionaire investor Bill Ackman.

More than 26,000 people have donated to the GoFundMe campaign, which was launched to assist Ahmed and his family as he recovers from multiple gunshot wounds sustained while tackling one of the attackers, according to UNILAD.

Ackman, the founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, contributed $100,000, helping accelerate the surge in donations as tributes to Ahmed’s bravery poured in from around the world.

Ahmed, a 44-year-old father of two, lunged at one of the gunmen during Sunday night’s attack and wrestled a rifle from him — an act witnesses and authorities say saved numerous lives. He was shot multiple times during the confrontation and remains hospitalized, with doctors warning he may lose the use of his left arm.

Video footage from the scene shows Ahmed advancing toward the armed attacker, tackling him, and securing the weapon before retreating under fire. The footage has since gone viral and drawn widespread praise for his actions.

The Bondi Beach attack, which targeted a Jewish community Hanukkah event, left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured. Authorities have described the incident as one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia in decades.

As Ahmed continues his recovery, supporters say the growing fundraiser reflects a global outpouring of gratitude for a man whose actions helped prevent even greater loss of life.

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