Israel to Honour Indian Pilot Capt Smit Machchhar for Heroism
· World · India Today, LiveMint
Israel President Isaac Herzog has announced he will honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar with the State of Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. Captain Machchhar helped foil an attempted hijacking aboard flydubai Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv despite sustaining severe injuries after being attacked by his co-pilot. President Herzog made the announcement in Jerusalem while presenting medals to six Israeli civilians who also helped thwart the attack. Herzog praised Captain Machchhar's professional skill and courage in averting a potential aviation catastrophe. The civilian bravery award was established following the October 7, 2023, attacks to recognize extraordinary acts of self-sacrifice.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights cross-border heroism during a critical aviation security incident, celebrating an Indian pilot's intervention in saving lives.
Read the original report — India Today
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