Israeli President to Award Medals to Passengers Who Thwarted Plane Attack

President of Israel Yitzhak Herzog spoke with four Israeli passengers who displayed extraordinary bravery during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel. The incident occurred when one pilot attacked the other, causing the plane to lose altitude. The passengers, along with the Indian pilot Captain Sumit Majhahar, acted swiftly. Majhahar fought the assailant and opened the cockpit door. Passenger Tali Mans raised the alarm, and then passengers Chayon, Mans, and Reguan rushed to assist, entering the cockpit and subduing the attacker, thereby risking their lives. Chayon stabilized the aircraft's controls. Following the neutralization of the attacker, Dr. Shota Musaev provided life-saving medical treatment to the severely injured pilot, stabilizing his condition until the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The prompt actions of the passengers and crew averted a major disaster.

President Herzog expressed his deep appreciation for their resourcefulness, courage, and mutual responsibility during the extreme danger. He announced his intention to bring their heroic story before the advisory committee for the "President's Award for Civilian Heroism" and recommend them for the honor. "At a moment when the lives of so many people were in danger, you acted without hesitation, with exceptional courage, resourcefulness, and mutual responsibility. You risked yourselves to save others and prevented a terrible disaster. The whole world saw the beautiful and brave face of Israeli society today. I am proud of you and thank you on behalf of the State of Israel," Herzog told them. He also extended his gratitude to Captain Sumit Majhahar for his decisive actions that enabled the neutralization of the attacker and saved many lives.

Dr. Musaev described the event as "very difficult" and a near-disaster, emphasizing that "everyone who was there and approached the cockpit was part of it. We were all heroes. All the passengers were heroes. We supported each other on the plane and also when we arrived in Saudi Arabia, and took care of each other properly. It shows our strength as a people." In his conversation with Tzivka Mans, the President also thanked Tali Mans. Yaniv Chayon expressed his gratitude for the call and the "hug," stating, "Everyone was very excited and received me with great excitement. I am glad we are here, glad it's all behind us, and very moved." Assaf Reguan recounted the event as "extraordinary," feeling "helpless, hanging in the air," but acting on instinct to "survive, save the family, the people, and the children."

The "President's Award for Civilian Heroism" was established by President Herzog during the war to recognize civilians who acted with exceptional bravery, risking their lives to save others out of mutual responsibility. The award is granted after review by an advisory committee appointed by the President. It has been given in recent years to exceptional Israeli heroes, some of whom were prominent on October 7th in the Gaza envelope and in other incidents. It is considered the highest civilian honor, expressing Israel's appreciation for those who acted selflessly in critical moments to save lives.