Israeli president invites Indian pilot Machchhar to receive civilian heroism award

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has invited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism in Israel. Machchhar was injured while attempting to stop a co-pilot from hijacking a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where all passengers reached Israel safely.

Herzog praised Machchhar's courage and determination in averting a potential catastrophe, and expressed gratitude for his exceptional bravery. The award would be a rare distinction for a non-Israeli.

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