New Delhi, October 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage in averting a potential catastrophe aboard a Flydubai aircraft, comparing his heroism to that of Indian soldiers who helped liberate cities in the Holy Land more than a century ago.
In a letter to Machchhar, Herzog said the pilot’s actions had earned him a place in Israel’s history and further strengthened the ties between India and Israel.
“Your heroics place you in the distinguished ranks of Indian troops, who risked their lives over 100 years ago to liberate cities in the Holy Land, forever becoming a part of Israel’s history,” Herzog wrote.
He added that Machchhar would also become a treasured part of the history of the Israeli people, further deepening the connection between the two countries.
In a post on X on Saturday, Herzog described Machchhar as “a hero of Israel, India, and all of humanity” and said he had conveyed his wishes for the pilot’s full and speedy recovery.
The Israeli President also expressed his desire to welcome Machchhar to Jerusalem once he had recovered sufficiently. On behalf of the Israeli people, he said, he would be honoured to present the Indian pilot with the Israeli Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, described as the country’s highest recognition for civilian bravery.
In his letter, Herzog thanked Machchhar for steering the aircraft to safety, saying his ability to overcome pain, respond to an immediate threat to his life and exercise sound judgement reflected exceptional courage and strength of character.
Herzog had announced on Friday that Machchhar would receive the award after recovering from his injuries. The Indian pilot reportedly confronted an attacking co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight and helped save the lives of 174 people on board.
“Captain Machchhar’s sheer courage and bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe,” Herzog said in his earlier statement, reiterating that it would be an honour to present the award on behalf of Israel.
According to the United Arab Emirates’ investigation, Hamam Al-Hammami, the co-pilot of the Dubai-Tel Aviv Flydubai flight, attacked Machchhar with a crash axe in the cockpit. UAE authorities have described the incident as a “terrorist attack”.
Herzog’s comparison with Indian troops who fought in the Holy Land more than a century ago highlighted the historical dimension of the India-Israel relationship, alongside the recognition of Machchhar’s actions during the flight emergency.
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