Bondi Beach attack: Hundreds participate in paddle out, hospitalised hero receives cheque

Emotional scenes have unfolded at world-famous Bondi Beach after more than 700 people paddled into the water in memory of the 15 lives lost in a mass shooting.

Hundreds of mourners descended on the beach shortly after 6am on Friday (local time).

Paddling out into the water, the group hoped to “spread light, love, and connection through our shared love of the ocean and beautiful Bondi Beach”.

“Come together and honour the lives lost, pray for those on the journey to recovery, and express gratitude to our brave first responders,” organisers said.

“Diversity is our strength”.

Once out on the water, the paddlers held a minute’s silence.

Surfers and swimmers congregate in the surf at Bondi Beach as they participate in a tribute for the victims of Sunday's Bondi Beach attack. Photo / David Gray, AFP

Images from the beach revealed the scale of the event, which comes as Bondi slowly reopens to the public following Sunday’s terror attack.

A footbridge and adjacent park where the shooting took place reopened on Thursday afternoon.

Surf lifesavers are understood to have also paddled in from other beaches in solidarity.

Bondi hero receives A$2.5m cheque in hospital

Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed has received a cheque for A$2.5 million ($2.8m) following a charity campaign that gained international attention.

Footage of Ahmed grappling with Sajid Akram during the Bondi Beach massacre was spread on social media.

A GoFundMe campaign raised more than A$2.5m for Ahmed, including A$99,999 from hedge fund billionaire William Ackman.

In a video posted on Friday, TikTok creator Zachery Dereniowski attended hospital to present Ahmed with a large cheque.

“Good to see you, my friend,” Ahmed told Dereniowski before the pair embraced in a hug.

“I came here with news of people around the world – 43,000 people, they raised you $2.5m,” Dereniowski said.

Ahmed replied: “I deserve it?”

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“Every penny,” Dereniowski replied.

Asked his message, Ahmed said: “To stand with each other all human beings.

“And forget everything bad ... and keep going to save life. Save life.

“When I do, save the people, I did it from the heart because it was a nice day, everyone was enjoying, celebrating with their kids, women, man, teenager – everyone was very happy.

“And, they deserve to enjoy and it’s their right.

“This country is best country in the world … but, we’re not going to stand and keep watching. Enough is enough.

“God protect Australia, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie.”

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