Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civil Heroism
Captain Machchhar’s courage, bravery and professionalism helped prevent this catastrophe,” Herzog said. Herzog presented the civilian heroism award to Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan and Or Pardilov for their roles in preventing the alleged hijacking attempt, according to The Jerusalem Post and The Times of Israel. “Today we gather in Jerusalem to honour six seemingly ordinary Israelis who proved to be extraordinary human beings, true heroes, by saving the flight last week,” Herzog said. Herzog said the passengers’ actions could not remove the need for a full investigation into the incident. “The civilian bravery and resourcefulness demonstrated by the heroes gathered here cannot absolve us of the obligation to obtain full answers,” he said.
The Israeli president also expressed gratitude to the replacement pilots who took over the aircraft and other passengers who helped during the emergency. Israel will honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar with the Presidential Award for Civil Heroism for his role in preventing a major aviation disaster aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, President Isaac Herzog announced on Thursday. “Alongside the Israeli heroes we honor today, we send our heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Captain Smit Machchhar of India.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian embassy in the UAE was in regular contact with Machchhar, his family and hospital authorities. Ministry of external affairs said on Tuesday that the pilot was recovering well and responding positively to treatment.