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While he continued to recover in the hospital, video footage emerged of Ahmed al-Ahmad being presented with a $2.5 million check for his heroic actions.

“You’re such a hero,” a man named Isaac tells Ahmed in the video published on Instagram.

“I came here with news from around the world; 43,000 people donated $2.5 million to you.”

Surprised, Ahmed replies: “So do I deserve this?”

“Every penny,” Isaac tells him.

Ahmed said his actions last Sunday came “from the heart,” meaning “to save lives.”

He remembered how happy everyone was in the moments before the attack.

“It was a beautiful day, everyone was having fun, celebrating with the kids… We’re not going to continue to stand by and watch. That’s enough. God bless Australia.”