Indian-origin captain Smit Machar, who saved the lives of 174 passengers on board the FlyDubai flight, will be honored with Israel’s ‘Presidential Award for Civil Valor’. It is the country’s highest gallantry award for its citizens. Captain Smit Machar thwarted his co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami’s plot to hijack the flight. An investigation is currently going on in this matter. Hammami is a resident of Oman. He also fatally attacked Smit with an axe, injuring him severely. He is currently undergoing treatment in a UAE hospital.
Capt. Smit’s intelligence and quick action are being appreciated worldwide. Although injured, he opened the cockpit door of the moving flight, allowing the passengers to subdue the attacking co-pilot, saving everyone’s lives. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that the Indian pilot will be honored after he recovers.
‘Macher averted a major tragedy’
Isaac said, “As we honor Israel’s heroes today, we wish a full and speedy recovery to Captain Smit Machar of India. Captain Machar’s extraordinary bravery and excellent judgment helped avert a major disaster. When he recovers, it will be my honor to present him with the ‘Presidential Award of Israel for the People of Israel’.”
According to Israeli intelligence reports, Hammami’s original plan was to seize the plane, fly it to Tel Aviv and crash it into a building. Captain Machar’s bravery thwarted this plan. After this, a citizen of Oman tried to crash the plane in the desert. However, the off-duty pilots present in the plane took control of the plane and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
America will also respect
How many categories of honor does Israel have?
In Israel, the President gives awards, prizes and scholarships to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to society and humanity. Its categories include the Presidential Award for Civil Valor, the ‘Israel Presidential Medal of Honor’, the ‘Presidential Award for Volunteerism’ and a doctoral scholarship.
US President Obama has been awarded Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honor.
