Bondi Beach terror attack hero Ahmed Al Ahmed has slammed questions about the $2.5 million raised in his name as he battles injuries suffered while confronting one of the shooters.
The former tobacco store owner was seriously wounded when he was shot multiple times during the December 14 attack on Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi, shortly after he disarmed gunman Sajid Akram.
Doctors have since removed a bullet from his shoulder and repaired nerve damage, though it is believed he may suffer permanent injury and require further surgery.
Mr Al Ahmed, 43, received praise from around the world for his courage, which likely prevented the death toll rising above 15.
While he was recuperating in hospital, he was presented with a $2.5 million cheque from a global fundraiser that attracted more than 43,000 donations.
However, in a raw post to social media on Monday night, Mr Al Ahmed lashed out at those who disparaged the fund and accused him of ‘miking it’ and not being ‘humble’ enough.
‘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 said.
‘They forget that I was shot five times, and two bullets are still in my body. I live with that pain day and night.
Ahmed Al Ahmed (pictured) says he has received criticism for the praise and fundraising he received after he confronted one of the Bondi Beach attackers
He said two bullets are still in his body after Hanukkah attack at Bondi Beach on December 14
Mr Al Ahmed said he also cannot move his hand or fingers
‘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.
‘So what money or honour can ever equal this loss? Is there anyone among these negative people who would be willing to give up their hand for money and give me my hand back the way it was?
‘I do not regret what I did, because I acted out of humanity and the values I was raised with.
‘But it hurts me to see some weak‑minded people turn this into a business deal instead of understanding the sacrifice.’
Mr Al Ahmed shared a photo of the surgical scars on his shoulder, as well as a shot of him in a hospital room holding his injured hand, eyes closed and seemingly in pain.
He is currently in the United States, having travelled to New York earlier in January for the annual Colel Chabad awards gala dinner, alongside Sydney Rabbi Yehoram Ulman.
The charity event raises funds for vulnerable families in Israel, with individual tickets priced from $1,000 USD ($1,485 AUD).
However, the trip has not been without challenges, as he reportedly suffered a ‘sudden swelling’ in his hand and severe pain on January 10.
Mr Al Ahmed disarmed gunman Sajid Akram during the Hanukkah attack
Mr Al Ahmed said he suffered a ‘sudden swelling’ in his hand while in New York, which he said was a discouraging part of his recovery (pictured, injured just after the Bondi Beach attack)
But Mr Al Ahmed meeting newly-minted Mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani
Footage shared by Mr Al Ahmed on Instagram showed him lying in a hotel room, his left hand propped up on four pillows to elevate it.
‘I was scheduled to attend several meetings, but due to the sudden swelling in my hand and the severe pain, I had to cancel them all,’ he said on Instagram.
He said he was ‘discouraged’ when pain medicine wore off but remembered that he protected innocent people and felt hope due to those wishing for his recovery.
In the US, he met with notable figures including Hollywood filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, Mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani, and outgoing Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd.
Israeli national Gefen Bitton, 30, who was alongside Mr Al Ahmed in rushing the shooter, was granted permanent residency in Australia last week as reward for his actions.
It means that Mr Bitton now has access to Medicare and NDIS support as his extensive and ongoing medical treatment continues.
‘We’re seeing small improvements daily, as he is now more awake. Every step counts,’ a fundraiser update stated.
Fifteen people, including 10‑year‑old girl Matilda Bee, were killed in the 14 December attack at Bondi Beach when Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, allegedly opened fire on a crowd celebrating Hanukkah.
