Israeli President Isaac Herzog has described Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a hero of Israel, India and all of humanity. He confirmed that he has written to the captain and will present him with Israel’s highest recognition of civilian heroism once he recovers.
In a message posted on X on Saturday, Herzog said: “Captain Smit Machchhar, you are a hero of Israel, India, and all of humanity! In my letter to you which you received over the weekend, I shared our prayers for your full and speedy recovery. As I wrote in my letter, I look forward to welcoming you to Jerusalem once you regain your strength. On behalf of the people of Israel, I would be honoured to present you with Israel’s highest recognition of civilian heroism, the Israeli Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.”
The letter, received by Captain Machchhar while he continues his recovery in hospital in the United Arab Emirates, expresses the deep gratitude of the State of Israel for his exceptional courage and determination. Herzog wrote that Machchhar’s ability to rise above the pain, confront the immediate threat to his life and exercise sound judgement demonstrated the strength of his character and the great valour he possesses. He placed the captain’s actions in the distinguished ranks of Indian troops who risked their lives more than a century ago to liberate cities in the Holy Land, stating that Captain Machchhar too will henceforth be a treasured part of Israel’s history and will further strengthen the warmth and connection between the Republic of India and the State of Israel.
The tribute follows the incident on 30 September aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board. Captain Machchhar, a Mumbai native with more than 13 years of commercial flying experience on Boeing 737 aircraft, was attacked in the cockpit by his Omani first officer. Despite sustaining serious injuries and lying on the cockpit floor, he managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew, including two off duty flydubai pilots travelling as passengers and several Israeli citizens, then entered and overpowered the attacker. The aircraft made a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this week, at a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, Herzog presented the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to six Israeli passengers who helped subdue the attacker and assist the crew. He announced at the time that Captain Machchhar would receive the same award once he had regained his strength.
Captain Machchhar is recovering in hospital in the United Arab Emirates under the care of partners and friends of Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously spoken with him by telephone, describing him as a hero of Israel, India and the entire world, and inviting both him and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light the ceremonial flame at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations. Leaders including Prime Minister Modi and United States President Donald Trump have also publicly recognised the captain’s actions in averting a potential disaster.
By John James
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