Israeli Heroes of Flydubai Hijacking Attempt Form WhatsApp Group

Four Israeli passengers who displayed extraordinary bravery during an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight have formed a joint WhatsApp group following the dramatic incident. Dr. Shota Musayev, one of the four heroes, told Ynet that he wrote in the group, "We were all reborn yesterday." He described the event as historic and noted that they even landed in Saudi Arabia. Musayev views his fellow heroes, Yaniv Hayon, Zvika Mans, and Asaf Rejwan, as new family members.

Musayev recounted the moments of overpowering the hijacker, stating he noticed his three companions subduing the Omani co-pilot and wanted to join them. "My wife initially tried to stop me, but I saw there were heroes there and joined them," he said. "At that moment, we didn't think for a second about our own lives, but about how to save the entire plane."

After the passengers neutralized the attacker, Musayev, a doctor, provided life-saving medical treatment to the severely wounded Indian captain. The co-pilot, an Omani national, had attacked and stabbed Captain Smith Machchar during the flight from Dubai to Israel. Despite his serious injuries, the Indian pilot fought back and managed to open the cockpit door, allowing the four Israelis to enter and subdue the assailant.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke with the four heroes and announced his intention to recommend them for the "President's Award for Civilian Bravery." Herzog praised their actions, stating, "At moments when the lives of so many people were in danger, you acted without hesitation, with courage, resourcefulness, and exceptional mutual responsibility."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Indian captain for his bravery, calling it "immense courage" that "helped save hundreds of lives and prevent a heavy disaster." Modi added, "India is proud of Captain Machchar. We pray for his speedy recovery."

Israel has classified the incident as a terror attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in interviews with American media that the Omani co-pilot planned an "Israeli 9/11" and that authorities would investigate any potential Iranian connection, though Israel had no prior intelligence warning. The UAE's Attorney General's office has ordered a special investigation team to examine all leads, including the possibility of a link to a terrorist organization, marking the first time UAE authorities have directly addressed the suspicion of terrorism.