Heavyweights from Wall Street and the music industry have joined thousands of everyday Australians raising funds for Ahmed al Ahmed, the hero who tackled and disarmed a terrorist on Bondi Beach.
In the hours after the horrific shooting of more than 50 people in Bondi Beach, an Australian business listed a fundraiser on GoFundMe that has raised more than $2 million for Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed, who tackled one of the perpetrators to the ground.
The call-to-action to support the 42-year-old business owner and father was succinct. “No one expects to be a hero, but when the moment came, he was. Any contribution, big or small, is a powerful way to say thank you,” the GoFundMe states.
Car Hub Australia’s Thomas Traynor kicked the fundraiser off by donating $50,000 to ‘honour this absolute hero and help support him through recovery, and the lasting impact of this traumatic event.’
Hours later, a gift of $99,999 was made by a donor listing himself as William Ackman.
It’s a name that is notorious in finance circles. New York-headquartered activist investment firm Pershing Square Capital Management was founded by billionaire Bill Ackman 21 years ago. Today, Ackman ranks as the 341st richest person in the world with a net worth of US$9.4 billion.
At the same time the donation was made, Ackman was on X rallying support for Ahmed’s fundraiser.
Not long after, Ackman was joined in praising the Syrian-born immigrant to Australia by talent manager Guy Oseary, who represents Madonna and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. A $7,512 donation was made to the GoFundMe in the name Guy Oseary around the same time.
“I am deeply grateful to Ahmed El Ahmed, seen in this video,” Oseary stated in an Instagram post. “An Arab man who ran toward danger, disarmed a shooter, took two bullets, and saved countless lives at Bondi Beach. An Arab who put his life on the line to protect his Jewish brothers and sisters.”
Oseary ended his Instagram post with the words “Peace. Shalom. Salaam.” and called for unity between the Jewish and Muslim communities this Hanukkah.
“This is the true meaning of this holiday: a miracle, a shining light, proof that even one person can change everything. All it takes is one.”
Since Ackman and Oseary amplified the fundraiser on X and Instagram, a further $2.2 million has been raised by generous supporters motivated to reward and thank Ahmed.
The donations are protected under GoFundMe’s Giving Guarantee, which promises a full refund to donors “in the rare case something isn’t right.” The Guarantee covers contributors worldwide and expires one year after the donation is made, according to GoFundMe.
An outpouring of gratitude and fiscal support
So far, 15 donations exceeding $2,000 have been made, some of which are in the names of prominent Australian businesspeople.
A donation of $20,000 was made in the name Lawrence Myers and $3,004 by Ben Pasternak.
Lawrence Myers was appointed as the CEO of James Packer’s family office, Consolidated Press Holdings, in 2023. Ben Pasternak is a Sydney-born, New York-based serial entrepreneur.
Every day Australians have dug into their pockets, too. Mel Ran donated $100 and praises Ahmed as an Australian legend.
“You putting others’ lives before your own, even when you believed you might not survive. Unimaginable bravery and heroism! You embody the very best of what this country stands for and Australia is better because of people like you. Thank you!,” Ran states on GoFundMe.
Forbes Australia reached out to individuals named in the GoFundMe fundraiser for comment but did not hear back prior to publication.
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