A fundraiser launched to thank the man hailed as the Bondi Beach hero, 43-year-old Ahmed el Ahmed, has reached nearly $1million just hours after it started. 

The fundraiser launched by Car Hub Australia has already reached $918,673 on GoFundMe.com after the company said they “felt compelled to act”.

A message shared on the fundraising page read: “After witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who helped disarm one of the attackers during the Bondi tragedy, an act that prevented the loss of countless more lives, we felt compelled to act.

“In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety. Early reports indicate he was shot twice in the process while protecting others.

“This GoFundMe has been created to show our gratitude and support for someone who demonstrated incredible courage when it mattered most.

“To kick things off and lead by example, we are making an initial donation of $50,000 to honour this absolute hero and help support him through recovery, and the lasting impact of this traumatic event.

“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.”

Ahmed al-Ahmed bravely disarmed one of the Bondi Beach gunmen after a terror attack took place during a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, Australia, resulting in the death of 16 people, with at least 42 individuals hospitalised.

Before he confronted one of the attacker, Ahmed al-Ahmed said “I’m going to die, please see my family and tell them that I went down to save people’s lives”.

President Donald Trump was among those who paid tributes to the vicitims and to al-Ahmed.

“A very, very brave person [Ahmed al-Ahmed], actually, who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives. A very brave person who’s right now in the hospital who is pretty seriously wounded. I have great respect for the man that did that.

“We’re here for a different reason. We’re here to celebrate Christmas and to celebrate,” Trump told the crowd gathered. “And I think today we can very say loudly that we celebrate Hanukkah because there was such a horrible attack that was a purely antisemitic attack,” President Trump said.

People who joined the online fundraiser also shared messages to pay their tributes to the “hero” who helped disarm one of the attackers.

One person said: “Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice. I hope your recovery goes smoothly, you are an honourable man.”

Another added: “Dear Ahmed. Your extraordinary bravery has inspired my family and I beyond words. In a moment of terror, you showed selflessness, courage, and humanity at its very best. May God bless you and your loved ones always.”

A further message read: “You are a true hero to us all. Your selfless courage in risking your life to protect others and confront such pure evil will never be forgotten.”

The terrorists in the Bondi Beach attack were father and son, police have confirmed.

The older of the gunmen, a 50-year-old man, was shot by police and died at the scene, while his son, a 24-year-old man, suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.

The attackers opened fire on more than 1,000 people attending a Jewish festival in the Archer Park area of the popular Bondi Beach at 6.47pm local time on Sunday, December 14.