Herzog to Award Medals for Bravery to Flydubai Passengers

President Isaac Herzog announced on Thursday that he will recommend awarding the "President's Medal for Civilian Bravery" to four Israeli passengers who subdued an attacker on a Flydubai flight. The passengers, Yaniv Hayun, Dr. Shota Musaev, Zvika Mans, and Assaf Reguan, are being recognized for their courage in neutralizing the co-pilot who carried out the assault, thereby saving the lives of everyone on board.

Herzog spoke with the four passengers by phone, commending their bravery and quick thinking during the dangerous incident. He stated that they acted without hesitation, with exceptional courage, resourcefulness, and solidarity, preventing a major disaster. The President also praised the Indian pilot, Sumit Mohar, whose "determination and actions contributed to neutralizing the attacker and saving many lives."

During the conversation, Dr. Shota Musaev described the event as very difficult, emphasizing that the heroism was a collective effort. "Everyone who was there and approached the cockpit area was part of it. We were all heroes, and all the passengers were heroes. This reflects our strength as a people," he said.

Assaf Reguan recounted the harrowing minutes of the flight, describing feelings of helplessness but noting that the actions taken were driven by instinct to survive and protect their families and others. The President's office issued a statement explaining that the medal is the highest civilian honor, recognizing individuals who, in moments of crisis, selflessly save the lives of others.