Flydubai Plane Incident During Sukkot Linked to Divine Protection

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel experienced a severe incident at tens of thousands of feet when an attacker assaulted the captain, causing the plane to enter a sharp dive. Passengers and crew members managed to overpower the assailant and regain control of the aircraft, preventing a potential disaster. All 174 passengers arrived safely.

The incident occurred during the Sukkot holiday, a time when Jews worldwide observe the mitzvah of waving the lulav and etrog. The article draws a connection between the lulav's movements, intended to ward off evil, and the plane's need for protection from all directions. It suggests that the mitzvot, rather than being mere obligations, serve as a divine gift, a right, and a protection for the Jewish people.

The author, Duvy Hönig, emphasizes that while the bravery of the passengers and crew is commendable, a Jewish perspective also acknowledges divine intervention. He posits that mitzvot, including Shabbat and Torah study, have historically protected the Jewish identity and community. The article encourages a shift in perspective from viewing mitzvot as burdens to recognizing them as gifts and sources of blessing and protection.

Hönig reflects that the timing of the incident during Sukkot, when Jews are symbolically seeking divine protection from all corners of the world, highlights the power of mitzvot. He concludes by urging readers to express gratitude for both visible miracles, like the averted plane crash, and hidden ones, and to cherish the Torah and mitzvot as the greatest gifts from God.