(Oct. 10, 2026/ JNS)
Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent out a letter to Capt. Smit Machchhar revealing “deep appreciation” for his function in avoiding a disaster after he was significantly injured in a terrorist attack aboard a flydubai flight on Sept. 30, the President’s Office in Jerusalem stated on Saturday night.
“Your capability to discover the strength to increase above the discomfort, to fight the instant danger to your life, and to run sound judgment shows the strength of your character and the excellent valor you have,” Herzog composed.
Machchhar got the letter while recuperating in the healthcare facility.
Capt. Machchhar was piloting flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his co-pilot assaulted him with an ax and tried to crash the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The airplane was bring 182 individuals, consisting of 174 guests, the majority of them Israeli.
In spite of suffering serious injuries, Machchhar handled to open the locked cockpit door, permitting guests and team members to go into and subdue his assaulter. Travelers then brought the airplane under control, and 2 off-duty pilots taking a trip aboard the airplane landed it securely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
On Oct. 2, Machchhar stated the significant minutes throughout a video call from his medical facility bed in the United Arab Emirates with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I had many injuries, however I informed myself that I needed to get up and act,” he stated. “At that minute, I pressed myself to open the cockpit door. I defended my life. I comprehended that if I did disappoint nerve, 170 travelers would lose their lives.”
In his letter, Herzog highlighted the historical ties in between India and Israel, remembering the Indian soldiers who combated in the Holy Land more than a century earlier.
“Your heroics position you in the prominent ranks of Indian soldiers, who risked their lives over 100 years ago to free cities in the Holy Land, permanently ending up being a part of Israel’s history,” the president composed. “You too, Captain Machchhar, will henceforth be a valued part of our individuals’s history, more magnifying the heat and connection in between the Republic of India and the State of Israel.”
Herzog continued, “As you gradually start your journey towards recovery, I understand that you remain in the best hands of our dear pals and partners in the United Arab Emirates. All of us share genuine prayers for your complete and quick healing, and I look forward, when you have actually restored strength, to inviting you to Jerusalem and revealing the gratitude and the love of our grateful country.”
Throughout an event on Oct. 8 honoring 6 Israeli guests for their heroism aboard the flight, Herzog revealed that he would provide Machchhar with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.
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