Israeli President Herzog to Award Presidential Medal to Heroes of Flydubai Flight Incident

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has announced his intention to recommend four Israeli passengers for the President's Award for Civilian Courage following their actions on a Flydubai flight. The passengers, Yaniv Hayun, Tzvi Mans, Asaf Rejwan, and Dr. Shota Musaev, are being recognized for their bravery in subduing a co-pilot who attacked the captain on flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Israel. President Herzog personally informed the four individuals of his decision.

During the flight, the co-pilot assaulted the captain, leading to the plane making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Hayun, Mans, and Rejwan reportedly entered the cockpit and neutralized the attacker. Hayun assisted in regaining control of the aircraft, while Dr. Musaev provided medical aid to the injured captain.

President Herzog also extended his gratitude to Captain Smith Machchar, an Indian national, who, despite his injuries, managed to open the cockpit door, enabling the passengers to intervene. Other pilots on board took control of the plane and successfully landed it. Herzog praised the collective effort of both passengers and crew, stating, "All who were there in those moments, passengers and crew, united, acted bravely, supported each other, and helped prevent a terrible disaster. I am proud of you. The people of Israel are proud of you."

The recommendation for the award will be reviewed by an advisory committee. Following his calls to the passengers, President Herzog shared a personal anecdote on social media about being invited to a Shabbat meal by one of the heroes' families, highlighting it as a representation of the Israeli spirit.