President Awards Civilian Bravery Medals to Four Israelis Who Subdued Hijacker
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Four Israelis to receive bravery medals for subduing a pilot.
- The flight from Dubai to Israel was diverted to Saudi Arabia.
- Passengers described the incident as terrifying with the plane diving.
- The pilot reportedly transmitted a hijacking distress code.
- President Herzog praised the passengers' courage and mutual responsibility.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced Thursday that he will recommend the "President's Medal for Civilian Bravery" for four Israelis who subdued a pilot threatening to crash a flight from Dubai to Israel. The four, Yaniv Hayun, Dr. Shotah Musaev, Zvika Mans, and Assaf Rejwan, are being recognized for their courage and quick thinking during the incident.
"In moments when the lives of so many people were in danger, you acted without hesitation, with exceptional bravery, resourcefulness, and mutual responsibility," Herzog told the honorees. "You risked yourselves to save others and prevented a grave disaster. The entire world saw today the beautiful and brave face of Israeli society. I am proud of you and thank you on behalf of the State of Israel."
Herzog also commended the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machhar, stating that his "determination and actions enabled the neutralization and saved many lives." Dr. Musaev described the event as "very difficult" and a near miss, emphasizing that the heroism was shared by everyone who approached the cockpit. He added, "We supported each other on the plane and also when we arrived in Saudi Arabia, and took care of each other as we should. This shows our strength as a people."
Yaniv Hayun expressed his relief and gratitude for the conversation and the "embrace" from the President, while Assaf Rejwan recounted feeling helpless but acting on instinct to survive and protect his family and other passengers.
The incident began Wednesday when the pilot transmitted a distress code indicating a hijacking. Consequently, the plane was denied entry into Israel and forced to land in Saudi Arabia with 174 Israelis aboard, escorted by Saudi fighter jets. Passengers reported extreme fear, with the plane shaking violently and diving. Some Israelis reportedly rushed the cockpit, subdued the pilot, and prevented the crash. One passenger, Daniel Elmalich, recounted seeing the pilot bleeding after being cut, and described sending farewell messages to her parents during the terrifying ordeal.
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