Jerusalem: Israeli President Isaac Herzog has invited Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar to Jerusalem to receive Israel’s highest civilian recognition for heroism, praising his courage in overcoming a mid-air attack by his co-pilot and bringing the aircraft to safety.
In a letter addressed to Machchhar, Herzog said he would be honoured to present him with the Israeli Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. Describing the captain as “a hero to India, Israel and the world,” the President expressed hope that Machchhar would visit Jerusalem once he had recovered from his injuries.
Machchhar is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dubai after sustaining serious injuries in the incident.
Herzog Praises Captain’s Courage
Herzog shared a photograph of Machchhar reading the letter, along with an image of the letter itself, in a post on X. He praised the captain’s determination in steering the aircraft to safety and preventing a potential catastrophe for the passengers on board.
“On behalf of the people of Israel, I would be honoured to present you with Israel’s highest recognition of civilian heroism, the Israeli Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism,” Herzog wrote.
Expressing gratitude for Machchhar’s actions, the Israeli President said the captain had demonstrated exceptional courage under extreme circumstances.
“On behalf of the State of Israel, I write to express our deepest gratitude for your exceptional courage and determination in steering your aircraft to safety and averting a certain catastrophe for all the innocent passengers on board,” he said.
Herzog also acknowledged the urgency and terror of the situation inside the cockpit, describing the sequence of events aboard the Flydubai aircraft as resembling a thriller. He said he looked forward to welcoming Machchhar to Jerusalem once he had regained his strength.
Co-Pilot Allegedly Attacked Captain With Emergency Axe
Machchhar had earlier recounted the incident to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to his account, the co-pilot repeatedly struck him from behind with an emergency axe kept inside the cockpit.
The attack left the captain seriously injured and required him to undergo brain surgery. He is now recovering in Dubai.
Despite the assault, Machchhar managed to bring the aircraft to safety, preventing a potential hijacking and averting a possible disaster involving the passengers on board.
Israel’s Highest Civilian Recognition for Heroism
The Israeli Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism recognises acts of exceptional courage by civilians. Herzog’s invitation acknowledges Machchhar’s actions during an emergency in which both his life and the safety of everyone aboard the aircraft were at risk.
By inviting the injured captain to Jerusalem to receive the honour in person, the Israeli President has formally recognised his courage and determination. Herzog’s message also highlighted the international significance of Machchhar’s actions, praising him as a hero to people in India, Israel and around the world.
