Israeli President Isaac Herzog has hailed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a hero of Israel, India and humanity for his extraordinary courage during a terrifying incident aboard a Flydubai aircraft that put 174 people at risk.
In a letter to the injured pilot, Herzog praised Machchhar for remaining calm, exercising sound judgment and confronting an immediate threat despite being wounded. His actions, the Israeli president said, helped prevent a potential catastrophe and demonstrated exceptional bravery and professionalism.
Herzog compared the captain’s courage to that of Indian soldiers who risked their lives more than a century ago to liberate cities in the region, noting that Machchhar would become part of Israel’s history.
The Israeli president has promised to present Machchhar with the Israeli Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, the country’s highest recognition for civilian bravery. He has also invited the captain to Jerusalem once he has recovered, expressing his wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
“Captain Smit Machchhar, you are a hero of Israel, India, and all of humanity!” Herzog wrote on social media.
The recognition also highlights the strong friendship between India and Israel, with Herzog expressing hope that the captain’s extraordinary actions would further strengthen ties between the two nations.
As Captain Machchhar continues his recovery, the promised award stands as a tribute to his courage and determination in the face of danger.
