Six Civilians Honored for Foiling Dubai Flight Hijacking

President Isaac Herzog presented the "President's Award for Civil Heroism" to six civilians who demonstrated exceptional bravery during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The individuals acted decisively in real-time, risking their lives to thwart an attempt to hijack the plane, thereby saving dozens of passengers and crew members. This award, established by President Herzog after the October 7th attacks, is Israel's highest civilian honor, recognizing extraordinary courage and mutual responsibility in saving lives.

During the ceremony, recipients shared their experiences. Tali Mans described being in the right place at the right time with the right people, attributing her actions to maternal intuition. Her husband, Zvika Mans, stated that his daughters' cries motivated him to act instinctively. Yaniv Hayon, who entered the cockpit and subdued the hijacker, expressed pride in receiving the award, which he said would be displayed prominently for his children.

Dr. Shota Museyev highlighted the chain of people who assisted, calling it a miracle, while Assaf Radwan 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 for preventing a severe aviation disaster that could have altered the course of the country and the Middle East.

Herzog also extended gratitude 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 honor Macher with the civil heroism award. He also thanked the co-pilots and other passengers who lent a hand, emphasizing that while their bravery is commendable, full answers regarding the incident are still required.

Eliakim Rubinstein, chairman of the award committee and a retired judge, described the events as a "miracle of miracles" due to the remarkable human cooperation during the hijacking attempt. He praised the recipients as exemplary of Israel's finest qualities.