Smit Machchhar / Israel To Honour Indian Captain Smit Machchhar With Highest Civilian Bravery Award

Jerusalem, Oct 9: Israel will confer its highest civilian bravery award on Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for his role in preventing a possible air disaster after being attacked by his co-pilot aboard a flydubai flight.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced the decision on Thursday while presenting the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to six passengers who helped overpower the attacker aboard a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.

Wishing Machchhar a speedy recovery, Herzog said the Indian pilot’s courage and professionalism had helped avert a catastrophe. He added that he would personally present the award to Machchhar once he recovered.

The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism recognises individuals who risk their lives to save others. It was established by Herzog following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

The six people honoured at Thursday’s ceremony were Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov. They were recognised for their roles in helping prevent the aircraft from being brought down.

How Captain Machchhar Helped Avert Disaster
On September 30, Machchhar was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot, Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, inside the cockpit of flydubai Flight 1073 during its journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar helped the crew and passengers intervene against the attacker. The aircraft subsequently landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with 174 people on board.

Machchhar is recovering at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have also praised his actions.

Also Read: PM Modi Applauds Captain Smit Machchhar's Bravery; Enquires About His Well-Being

Herzog Calls For Global Cooperation
Herzog said the incident highlighted the importance of international cooperation in confronting terrorism, noting that people from different countries had worked together to save the aircraft.

Referring to the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, he said the country continued to face the consequences of the assault and stressed the need for determination and cooperation in tackling terrorism.

Herzog also expressed confidence in the investigation being conducted by the United Arab Emirates into the incident.