President Herzog to Honor Four Israelis for Heroism on Dubai Flight
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Four Israelis to receive Presidential Medal for heroism.
- Passengers subdued pilot threatening to crash Dubai flight.
- Flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after hijacking alert.
- President praised passengers' courage and pilot's actions.
- Passengers described terrifying moments and mutual support.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced Thursday that he will recommend four Israeli passengers for the Presidential Medal of Civilian Heroism. The passengers, Yaniv Hayun, Dr. Shota Musaev, Zvika Mans, and Assaf Rejwan, are being recognized for their bravery in subduing a pilot who allegedly threatened to crash a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel on Wednesday.
During a call with the honorees, Herzog praised their "exceptional courage, resourcefulness, and mutual responsibility," stating that they "risked yourselves to save others and prevented a grave disaster." He added that "the whole world saw the beautiful and brave face of Israeli society today." The President also commended the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Maher, whose "determination and actions enabled the neutralization and saved many lives."
Dr. Musaev described the incident as "very difficult" and a near-death experience, emphasizing that "everyone who was there and approached the cockpit was part of it." Yaniv Hayun expressed his gratitude for the call and the "embrace" from the President, while Assaf Rejwan recounted the feeling of helplessness and the instinct to survive and protect others.
The incident began Wednesday when the pilot transmitted a distress code indicating a hijacking. Consequently, the aircraft was denied entry into Israel and forced to land in Saudi Arabia with 174 Israelis aboard, escorted by Saudi fighter jets. Passengers were instructed to remain on the plane until a Flydubai flight could transport them back to Israel.
Passenger Daniel Almaliach described the flight as "horrifying," with the plane shaking violently and plunging rapidly, causing passengers to scream. She reported that some Israelis "with incredible daring began to operate the plane," with one individual reportedly running to the cockpit, grabbing the controls, and neutralizing the hijacker. She also mentioned hearing that the pilot was stabbed, and that the alleged hijacker was apprehended with headphone cables used as restraints while the pilot was bleeding.
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