CursorinfoSecurity14:10

FlyDubai Attack Survivors Sue Israel for Negligence

By Рами Мадрих

Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba

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Russian · 2 newsrooms covering

Israeli passengers who stopped a FlyDubai hijacking are suing the state for failing to grant them official victim status and provide support. The September 30 incident saw passengers subdue an attacker, with civilian pilots landing the plane safely. Survivors are paying for therapy and unable to work due to trauma, prompting a lawsuit seeking hundreds of millions of dollars.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Israeli passengers who prevented a FlyDubai hijacking are suing the state for lack of support.
The survivors have not received official victim status, delaying compensation and aid.
The hijacking attempt occurred on September 30 during a flight from the UAE to Tel Aviv.
Passengers subdued the attacker, and civilian pilots landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.
Lawsuits against the airline and state seek hundreds of millions of dollars.
Survivors are covering their own therapy costs and struggling to return to work.

Israeli passengers who thwarted a hijacking attempt on a FlyDubai flight are preparing to sue the state, citing a lack of official recognition and support. Despite being hailed for their bravery with medals upon their return, the individuals who prevented a potential catastrophe on September 30 have not received official victim status. This bureaucratic delay means they are currently ineligible for compensation from the National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi) and are forced to pay for their own psychological treatment. Many are also struggling to return to work due to ongoing anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

The incident occurred on a flight from the UAE to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot, Hammam al-Hammami, attacked the captain with an axe, intending to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport. The captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the attacker. Two civilian pilots on board then took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.

Investigators determined the attacker was inspired by the 9/11 attacks and had meticulously planned his route for years. Even after the UAE officially recognized the incident as a jihadist terror attack, Israeli authorities have been slow to process the victims' claims. Frustrated by the lack of official response, the survivors have formed a committee led by Zvika Mans to pursue legal action. Their law firm, Naschitz Brandes Amir, plans to file lawsuits against the airline and the state, seeking hundreds of millions of dollars. The passengers are scheduled to meet with their lawyers soon to finalize their legal strategy.