Prominent Jewish Philanthropists Among Survivors of Flydubai Hijacking Attempt

Steven and Carol Moss, a Jewish couple from Sydney, Australia, were among the 174 passengers aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which experienced an attempted hijacking en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Mosses, known for their wealth and philanthropic activities within Sydney's Jewish community, were confirmed safe by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The family amassed their fortune through the Australian fashion chain Katies, founded in 1956 by Steven's father, Sam Moss, an Auschwitz survivor and prominent Australian businessman who passed away in 2016. The couple previously owned what was described as Australia's most expensive home, Uig Lodge in Sydney, which they sold in 2022 for approximately $130 million. Another family property, the Edgewater estate, was sold in 2020 for about $95 million. The Moss family is also recognized for their contributions to Jewish and educational institutions in Australia and for their support of Tel Aviv University, where Sam Moss received an honorary doctorate in 1990. The couple declined to comment to the Australian press following the incident.

Foreign Minister Wong expressed gratitude to the passengers and crew who helped subdue the attacker and ensure the passengers' safety, stating, "We are thinking of the injured and hope for their full recovery." The incident occurred when the Omani co-pilot attacked and stabbed the captain in the cockpit. During the struggle, the aircraft experienced a rapid descent, losing approximately 14,000 feet in 30 seconds. The injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing Israeli passengers to overpower the assailant. Other crew members then regained control of the aircraft and diverted it to a landing in Saudi Arabia.