Israeli President Invites Injured Indian Pilot to Visit Jerusalem

President Isaac Herzog has sent a personal letter to Captain Smith Macher, the Indian pilot of Flydubai who was seriously injured while thwarting a terrorist attempt on a flight to Israel. In the letter, President Herzog expressed Israel's deep gratitude for Macher's exceptional bravery and determination, which prevented a major disaster. Captain Macher received the letter in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates, where he is being treated after being attacked with an emergency axe by co-pilot Hammam Al-Hamami.

Despite his severe injuries, Macher managed to open the cockpit door, allowing the crew and passengers to overpower the attacker and prevent the plane from being downed. President Herzog praised Macher's composure under extreme danger, noting his ability to overcome pain and act decisively. The President wished Macher a swift recovery and invited him to visit Jerusalem after his rehabilitation, stating, "I look forward to welcoming you to Jerusalem and expressing the appreciation and love of our grateful nation."

Additionally, President Herzog announced that Captain Macher will be awarded the President's Medal for Civilian Bravery. This was revealed during a ceremony where the medal was presented to six passengers who also helped subdue the attacker. "I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to the Indian pilot, Captain Smith Macher, who fought the attacker despite his serious injury and managed with his remaining strength to open the cockpit door," the President said at the ceremony. "I intend to honor him as well... with the President's Medal for Civilian Bravery."

The six passengers honored were Tali and Tzvi Mance, Yaniv Hayon, Dr. Shota Musayev, and Assaf R'guan, among others. They acted immediately, risking their lives to prevent the plane from being crashed.

President Herzog also connected Macher's heroic act to the historical ties between India and Israel, referencing Indian soldiers who fought in the Holy Land over a century ago. "Your act of heroism places you in the distinguished line of Indian soldiers who over a century ago risked their lives to liberate cities in the Holy Land, thereby becoming an integral part of Israel's history," Herzog wrote. "You too, Captain Macher, will henceforth become a cherished part of our nation's history and an additional element strengthening the connection between the Republic of India and the State of Israel."

Reports indicate that co-pilot Hammam Al-Hamami had made at least two previous flights to Tel Aviv as preparation for a suicide attack, aiming to cause maximum casualties.