Israeli President to Award Heroism Medal to Indian Captain
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will award the "President's Award for Civilian Heroism" to Indian Captain Smith Macher for his bravery in preventing a disaster on a Flydubai flight. Herzog praised Macher's courage in confronting an attacker despite severe injuries and invited him to Jerusalem. The President noted Macher's actions echo the heroism of Indian soldiers who fought in the region over a century ago, strengthening ties between India and Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- President Isaac Herzog will award the "President's Award for Civilian Heroism" to Indian Captain Smith Macher.
- Captain Macher fought an attacker despite severe injuries, preventing a disaster on a Flydubai flight.
- Herzog praised Macher's strength of character and heroic spirit in a letter and at a ceremony.
- The President invited Macher to visit Jerusalem after his recovery.
- Herzog linked Macher's heroism to that of Indian soldiers who fought in the Holy Land over 100 years ago.
President Isaac Herzog has sent a letter to Indian Captain Smith Macher, expressing gratitude for his bravery in preventing a major disaster. The letter, delivered to Macher at the hospital, wished him a speedy recovery and invited him to Jerusalem after his rehabilitation. Herzog announced that Macher will receive the "President's Award for Civilian Heroism" based on a committee's recommendation.
During a ceremony where the award was presented, Herzog praised the captain's actions, stating, "I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to the Indian pilot, Captain Smith Macher, who fought the attacker despite his severe injury, and managed with his remaining strength to open the cockpit door." He added, "From here, I send him, on behalf of all of us, wishes for complete and swift recovery. I intend to honor him as well, as the committee recommended, with the President's Award for Civilian Heroism."
In his letter, the President lauded Macher's conduct during the dangerous moments, writing, "Your ability to find the strength to rise above the pain, to deal with the immediate threat to your life and to exercise judgment, attests to your strength of character and the great spirit of heroism with which you are endowed."
Herzog drew a parallel between Macher's actions and the shared history of India and Israel, referencing Indian soldiers who fought in the region over a century ago. "Your heroic act places you in the honored line of Indian soldiers who, more than a century ago, risked their lives to liberate cities in the Holy Land," he wrote. "You too, Captain Macher, will henceforth become a cherished part of our people's history, and an additional element strengthening the bond between the Republic of India and the State of Israel."
Concluding the letter, Herzog addressed Macher's recovery, noting he is hospitalized in the UAE. "We all pray from the bottom of our hearts for your full and swift recovery, and I look forward to welcoming you to Jerusalem after you have regained your strength, to express to you the appreciation and love of our grateful nation."
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