Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to receive Israel’s highest civilian award for ‘sheer bravery’: What does it recognize? | Today’s news
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv last month, will receive Israel’s prestigious presidential award for civilian heroism. Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Machchhar’s “pure bravery and sound professionalism” and said his actions helped avert disaster.
Herzog announced the award on Thursday as he honored the Israeli passengers who reportedly helped subdue the attacker and assisted the crew during the mid-air emergency aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073.
“Captain Machchhar’s sheer bravery and solid professionalism helped avert disaster. Once he regains strength, it will be my honor to present him with the State of Israel Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism on behalf of the people of Israel,” Herzog said.
Machchhar is recovering in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Herzog wished the Indian captain a full and speedy recovery and added that he will personally present the award once Machchhar regains strength.
What is the Israeli Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism?
Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, also known as the Medal of Civilian Bravery or the Award for Civilian Heroism, is the country’s highest civilian award for acts of extraordinary bravery.
The award, established by Israel after the October 7, 2023 attacks, recognizes civilians who demonstrate exceptional bravery. Active military personnel, police officers and security personnel are excluded from the eligibility criteria listed.
Candidates are reviewed and recommended by a special presidential advisory committee before the award is formally presented by Israel’s president, The Jerusalem Post reports.
The incident took place aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when the co-pilot, identified in reports as Hammam al-Hammami, allegedly assaulted Machchhar in the cockpit.
According to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Machhar was covered in blood and lying on the floor when he managed to open the cockpit door. This allowed the passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot. The second pair of Flydubai pilots on board the aircraft then took control of the jet, which subsequently landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Reports citing Israeli intelligence said the co-pilot allegedly planned to take control of the plane, fly it to Tel Aviv and crash it into a building.
Herzog credited Machchhar’s courage and professionalism with helping prevent a potential air disaster.
“Along with the Israeli heroes we honor today, we send our heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Captain Smit Machchhar of India,” Herzog said.
