Israeli President Awards Civil Bravery Medals for Foiling Dubai Flight Attack

President Isaac Herzog presented the "President of Israel Award for Civil Bravery" to six civilians on Thursday, October 8th. These individuals demonstrated exceptional courage and resourcefulness during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, risking their lives to thwart an attempt to bring down the plane and saving dozens of passengers and crew.

The award, established by President Herzog after the October 7, 2023, terror attack, is Israel's highest civilian honor. It recognizes citizens who exhibit extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice to save lives, embodying mutual responsibility.

During the ceremony at the President's Residence, recipients shared their experiences. Tali Mans attributed her actions to maternal intuition, while Zvika Mans was driven by his daughters' cries. Yaniv Hayun expressed pride in the award, and Dr. Shota Musayev highlighted the chain of people who assisted, calling it a "miracle of miracles." Assaf Rejwan noted that all passengers on the flight became like family, celebrating September 30th, the date of the incident, as a second birthday.

President Herzog commended the recipients, calling their actions "tremendous civil bravery" that prevented a "heavy aviation disaster" which could have altered the region's landscape. He also extended gratitude and wishes for a swift recovery to the Indian pilot, Captain Smith Macher, who fought the attacker despite severe injuries and managed to open the cockpit door. The President announced his intention to also award Captain Macher the medal, along with the alternate pilots and other passengers who helped.

Herzog emphasized that while their bravery is commendable, the nation still requires full answers regarding the incident. He stated that the award symbolizes not only saving lives but also the "Israeli spirit" of courage and resourcefulness, urging collective action in times of danger. He reflected on the three years since the October 7th attacks, highlighting the Israeli society's resilience and unity in difficult times, and the importance of standing together and helping those in need.

Eliakim Rubinstein, chairman of the award committee and a retired judge, described the event as a "miracle of miracles" due to the human chain of mutual aid. He praised the recipients as exemplary figures of Israel's positive image.