‘Look forward to welcoming you to Jerusalem’: Israeli prez pens letter to hero pilot captain Smit

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has written to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, wishing him a speedy recovery and expressing his desire to welcome him to Jerusalem, where he will personally present him with Israel’s highest civilian honour for heroism.In a post on X on Saturday, Herzog said he had conveyed his prayers for Machchhar’s recovery in a letter the pilot received over the weekend. Machchhar is recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi after sustaining serious injuries in an attack by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.“Captain Smit Machchhar, you are a hero of Israel, India, and all of humanity. In my letter to you, which you received over the weekend, I shared our prayers for your full and speedy recovery. As I wrote in my letter, I look forward to welcoming you to Jerusalem once you regain your strength. On behalf of the people of Israel, I would be honored to present you with Israel’s highest recognition of civilian heroism, the Israeli Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism,” Herzog wrote.The announcement follows Herzog’s decision to honour Machchhar for his role in averting a potential aviation disaster aboard flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers.The co-pilot attacked Machchhar with a crash axe inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Despite suffering serious injuries, the Indian pilot managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to overpower the attacker. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.Herzog announced the award while honouring six Israeli passengers in Jerusalem for their role in thwarting the alleged hijacking attempt. He credited their courage and presence of mind with helping save 174 lives.Machchhar underwent surgery following the incident and is recovering in Abu Dhabi. Ministry of external affairs said earlier this week that his condition was improving and he was responding well to treatment.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also spoken to Machchhar during his recovery, praising his courage and inviting him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.