Ahmed al Ahmed, who has been hailed as a hero since he tackled one of the Bondi Beach shooters, has been given a cheque for €1.4m or $2.5m AUS.
The money was gathered by well wishes online through a GoFundMe campaign in recognition of Mr. Ahmed’s bravery in tackling an alleged Islamic extremist who authorities believe shot and killed Jewish civilians who were gathered on Bondi Beach to celebrate Hanukkah.
The attack was allegedly carried out by a Pakistani father and son who were inspired by the Islamic State.
15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, were shot dead in the attack.
After becoming aware of what was happening, Ahmed, who moved to Australia from his native Syria, ran up behind the shooter before disarming him.
He said that he asked God to give him courage, before tackling the gunman.
He is currently receiving hospital treatment after sustaining gunshot wounds after it’s believed the second shooter opened fire on him.
Ahmed was presented with an oversized cheque at St George hospital by social media influencer and co-organiser of the GoFundMe page Zachery Dereniowski.
Over 43,000 people worldwide donated to the fundraising, among them billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman who donated A$99,999 (€56,000).
In the video, Mr Ahmed, lying in the hospital bed, asks, “I deserve it?” to which Mr Dereniowski says “every penny”.
He asked those who donated to the fund to “stand with each other, all human beings. And forget everything bad … and keep going to save life.”
Rising a fist in the air, he said, “When I saved the people I (did it) from the heart because it was a nice day, everyone enjoying celebrating, with their kids, woman, man, teenager all, everyone was happy and they deserve, they deserve to enjoy,”.
“This country [is the] best country in the world, best country in the world, but we’re not going to stand and keep watching – enough is enough. God protect Australia. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie.” he said.
One of the shooters, a male aged 50 was shot dead by police, while his son (24) was critically injured.