Israel honours Captain Smit Machchhar’s valour with billboards in Mumbai

The Consulate of Israel has launched a public awareness campaign across major roadways in Mumbai to honor Captain Machchhar's bravery. Billboards have been erected at various junctions, including the Warden Road and Napean Sea Road, the BKC-Sion connector, Andheri-Jogeshwari flyover, and Tulsi Pipeline Road near Mahim, bearing the message "Thank You, Captain Smit, For Saving Israeli Lives!

Wishing You a Speedy Recovery." Consul General Yaniv Revach expressed Israel's gratitude to Captain Machchhar and the four Israeli passengers who saved 174 lives. Revach drew parallels to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, emphasizing the shared cultural value of preserving innocent life in both Indian and Jewish traditions. The incident occurred on a flydubai Boeing 737-8 MAX flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the pilot stabbed his co-pilot and attempted to crash the plane.

Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to overpower the attacker and safely land the aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to thoroughly investigate the incident, and the act of bravery has deepened the friendship between India and Israel.