President Herzog to Honor Israeli Passengers Who Thwarted Flydubai Terror Attack

President Isaac Herzog announced on Sunday that he will recommend awarding the "President's Medal for Civilian Heroism" to four Israeli passengers who prevented a terror attack on a Flydubai flight. The passengers, Yaniv Hayun, Tzviya Mans, Assaf Rejwan, and Dr. Shota Musayev, are credited with subduing an attacker who had stabbed the pilot with the intent of crashing the plane.

President Herzog personally spoke with the four honorees, praising their "extraordinary courage in an impossible situation." He stated his intention to recommend them for the medal, a recommendation that will be forwarded to an advisory committee headed by a retired judge.

The President also acknowledged the bravery of other individuals who contributed to preventing the disaster. These included Tali Mans, who identified the unfolding threat, the substitute pilots, and Captain Smit Machhar, an Indian pilot who, despite being injured, managed to open the cockpit door, enabling the passengers to intervene.

Herzog sent a heartfelt message to Captain Machhar, expressing deep gratitude for his "heroism, determination, and actions that saved many lives," and wished him a full recovery. The President concluded by commending all passengers and crew who acted with courage and mutual support, stating, "The State of Israel is immensely grateful to you. The Israeli people are proud of you... These are the beautiful and brave faces of Israeli society!"

The dramatic incident occurred on a Flydubai flight when an Omani co-pilot reportedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft. The intervention by the Israeli passengers and crew successfully neutralized the attacker, allowing the plane to land safely.