Israeli President Isaac Herzog plans to recommend four Israelis for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after they helped overpower a co-pilot who stabbed the captain aboard a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv, his office said on Thursday.
Herzog spoke with Yaniv Hayun, Dr. Shota Musayev, Zvika Manes and Assaf Rajwan following their safe return to the Jewish state on Wednesday evening, according to the statement.
“You put yourselves at risk to save others and prevented a terrible disaster,” Herzog told the four, per the readout.
“Today, the whole world saw the beautiful and courageous face of Israeli society. I am proud of you, and I thank you on behalf of the State of Israel. I intend to bring your story of heroism before the advisory committee for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism and to recommend that it grant you the award,” the head of state added.
He also expressed “gratitude and deep appreciation” to pilot Capt. Smit Machchhar, who fought the attacker and opened the cockpit door, allowing the Israelis to enter and saving the lives of those on board.
Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, on Wednesday morning transmitted emergency signals that raised fears of a hijacking. It was diverted to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Wednesday night that one of the pilots had stabbed the other and “apparently tried to crash the plane with everyone on board.” Almost all the passengers were Israelis, he noted.
Source: JNS
