Israeli President Honors Flydubai Captain for Heroism

President Isaac Herzog announced he will award a civilian heroism medal to the Indian captain of a Flydubai flight who bravely confronted an attacker during a flight. The president sent a letter to Captain Smith Machar, who is recovering in a hospital, commending his courage and inviting him to visit Jerusalem after his recovery. Machar received the letter while hospitalized.

In his letter, President Herzog praised the captain's composure in the face of grave danger, stating, "Your ability to find the strength to rise above the pain, confront the immediate threat to your life, and exercise judgment, attests to the strength of your character and the great spirit of heroism with which you are endowed."

The president also drew a historical parallel between Machar's actions and those of 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 inseparable part of Israel's history. You too, Captain Machar, 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 his message, Herzog expressed confidence in Machar's care in the UAE and wished him a full and speedy recovery. "As you slowly begin your recovery journey, I know you are in the best hands of our dear friends and partners in the United Arab Emirates. We all pray from the bottom of our hearts for your complete and swift recovery, and I look forward, after you regain your strength, to welcoming you to Jerusalem and expressing to you the appreciation and love of our grateful nation."