President Herzog to Award Civil Heroism Medal to Flydubai Flight Passengers

President Isaac Herzog announced his intention to recommend the awarding of the "President's Medal for Civil Heroism" to four Israeli passengers who intervened during a violent incident on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel. The passengers, Yaniv Hayon, Dr. Shota Musaev, Zvika Mans, and Assaf Rejwan, are being recognized for their actions after one pilot allegedly stabbed the other, causing the aircraft to lose altitude.

During the emergency, the four Israelis entered the cockpit, helped subdue the attacker, and Hayon stabilized the aircraft's controls. Dr. Musaev provided critical medical treatment to the injured pilot, stabilizing his condition until the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The flight's Indian captain, Smit Mehta, also reportedly struggled with the assailant.

President Herzog spoke with each of the four individuals, commending their bravery and informing them that their story would be presented to the advisory committee for the presidential medal. Musaev stated that everyone on board who assisted was part of the operation, while Hayon expressed relief that the incident was over. Rejwan described his actions as instinctual, driven by a desire to survive and protect his family and other passengers. Herzog also specifically thanked Mans' wife, Tali, for alerting them to the unusual events.

The President's Medal for Civil Heroism was established during wartime to honor civilians who demonstrate exceptional bravery and risk their lives to save others. The award is granted following review by a committee appointed by the president. In recent years, the medal has been awarded to civilians who acted heroically during the October 7th attacks and other incidents.