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Israel to award Capt. Machchhar Flight 1073 heroism medal
The Hindu··3d ago
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot on flydubai Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. Herzog said the Indian captain helped avert a catastrophe. Six passengers received the award on October 8 in Jerusalem. Machchhar is recovering in a UAE hospital.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Machchhar will receive the medal after he regains strength, Herzog said.
- Passengers and crew on Flight 1073 landed after the cockpit attack was stopped.
- The award is Israel's highest civilian honour for heroism, the President's Office said.
What's Happening
- Herzog spoke at a Jerusalem ceremony honouring six people who were on the flight.
- He tied the award to Machchhar's role after the September 30 cockpit attack.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu have both praised Machchhar.
How the Flight Was Stopped
- Co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, stabbed Machchhar in an apparent crash attempt.
- Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot.
- A second pair of flydubai pilots then landed the jet in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
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