(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)

Thursday, 1 October 2026 / 20 Tishrei 5787

President Isaac Herzog to Recommend Four Israelis Who Averted Disaster on Flight From Dubai to Receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism

President Herzog: "You put yourselves at risk to save others and prevented a terrible disaster. Today, the whole world saw the beautiful and courageous face of Israeli society."

On September 30, 2026, President Isaac Herzog spoke with the four Israelis who acted with extraordinary heroism aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel: Yaniv Hayoun, Dr. Shota Musayev, Zvika Manes, and Asaf Rajuan.

During the incident, after one of the pilots stabbed the other and the aircraft began to plummet, those on board acted quickly and decisively. The Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, fought the assailant and opened the cockpit door. Tali Manes raised the alarm that something was wrong. Hayoun, Zvika Manes, and Rajuan then rushed to assist, entered the cockpit, and overpowered the attacker, placing their own lives in real danger, while Hayoun steadied the aircraft's controls. Once the attacker had been subdued, Dr. Musayev provided lifesaving medical treatment to the seriously wounded pilot, helping to stabilize his condition until the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The swift action of the passengers and crew averted a major disaster.

In his conversations with them, President Herzog expressed his deep appreciation for the resourcefulness, courage, and mutual responsibility they displayed in moments of extreme danger. He informed them of his intention to bring their story of heroism before the advisory committee for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism and to recommend that the award be granted to all four.

President Isaac Herzog:

"At a time when the lives of so many people were in danger, you acted without hesitation, with courage, resourcefulness, and extraordinary mutual responsibility. You put yourselves at risk to save others and prevented a terrible disaster. Today, the whole world saw the beautiful and courageous face of Israeli society. I am proud of you, and I thank you on behalf of the State of Israel. I intend to bring your story of heroism before the advisory committee for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism and to recommend that it grant you the award.

"In addition, I extend my gratitude and deep appreciation, on behalf of the State of Israel, to the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, whose determination and actions made it possible to subdue the attacker and saved many lives."

Dr. Shota Musayev described the events to the President:

"It was a very difficult incident, and we truly were saved. It wasn't only my heroism. Everyone who was there and came near the cockpit was part of it. We were all heroes. All the passengers were heroes. We supported one another on the plane and also when we arrived in Saudi Arabia, and we took care of each other as we should. It shows our strength as a people."

In his conversation with Zvika Manes, President Herzog also asked to thank his wife, Tali. Manes thanked the President warmly and with great emotion.

Yaniv Hayoun in his conversation with the President:

"Everyone was so moved and welcomed me with great emotion. I'm glad we're here, glad it's all behind us, and very grateful for the call and the warm embrace. It's truly moving."

Asaf Rajuan to the President:

"It was an extraordinary incident. We felt helpless, suspended in midair, and I didn't know who to turn to. But it was all instinct: to survive, to save the family, the people, and the children."