Passenger Recounts 'Internal Burning' to Share Story of Flight Hijacking Neutralization

Assaf Radwan, one of the passengers who subdued the co-pilot on a Flydubai flight, attended synagogue to recite the "Birkat HaGomel" blessing for deliverance from danger. Radwan described feeling an "internal burning" to share his experience, writing on social media that he usually avoids posting but felt compelled to speak out this time. He was among the passengers who entered the cockpit when the plane began to descend, alongside Yeniv Hiyun and Zvika Mans. President Isaac Herzog has announced he will recommend awarding Radwan and his fellow passengers a civil heroism medal.

Radwan explained that since the landing, he has been repeatedly asked what prevented the disaster. He realized the answer during a joint interview with other passengers to an international channel, stating, "Every passenger on the flight had a precise role." He detailed how different individuals contributed: some managed communication with Israeli security forces, one shared a mobile hotspot, another recited Psalms, someone else procured headphone cords to tie up the hijacker, and an Australian passenger successfully made calls to Israel from hostile airspace. He also expressed gratitude to "amazing Yeniv," Zvika, Tali, Shota, Or, and his "lioness wife."

Upon arriving at the synagogue to recite the blessing, Radwan encountered a verse from Deuteronomy 33:26, "There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to your help, and in his excellency the skies." This verse is part of the "V'Zot HaBracha" portion read on the holiday of Simchat Torah. Radwan, who does not identify as religious but believes in his own way, felt chills as the congregation recognized the story. He concluded that while he doesn't know if it was divine providence, coincidence, or a moment that gained deep meaning, he felt profound gratitude for life, the miracle, and the opportunity to recount it.