Indian pilot Smit Machchhar to receive Israel’s top civilian award for ‘sheer bravery’: What does it recognize?

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar will receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for helping avert a catastrophe after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him aboard a Flydubai flight. Despite his injuries, reports say Machchhar helped the crew overpower the attacker.

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv last month, will receive Israel’s prestigious Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Machchhar's “sheer bravery and sound professionalism”, saying his actions helped avert a catastrophe.

Herzog announced the honour on Thursday while recognizing Israeli passengers who reportedly helped subdue the attacker and assisted the crew during the mid-air emergency aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073.

“Captain Machchhar’s sheer bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe. Once he regains his strength, it will be my privilege to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism,” Herzog said.

Machchhar is recovering in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Herzog wished the Indian captain a full and speedy recovery, adding that he would personally present the award once Machchhar had regained his strength.

What is Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism?

Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, also known as the Medal for Civilian Bravery or the Civil Heroism Award, is the country’s highest civilian honour for acts of extraordinary courage.

Established by Israel following the 7 October 2023 attacks, the award recognizes civilians who demonstrate exceptional bravery. Active-duty military personnel, police officers and security personnel are excluded from its stated eligibility criteria.

Candidates are reviewed and recommended by a special presidential advisory committee before the Israeli president formally presents the award, according to The Jerusalem Post.

The incident took place aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot, identified in reports as Hammam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked Machchhar in the cockpit.

According to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Machchhar was covered in blood and lying on the floor when he managed to open the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot. A second pair of Flydubai pilots aboard the aircraft then took control of the jet, which subsequently landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Reports citing Israeli intelligence said the co-pilot had allegedly planned to seize control of the aircraft, fly it to Tel Aviv and crash it into a building.

Herzog credited Machchhar’s courage and professionalism with helping prevent a potential aviation disaster.

“Alongside the Israeli heroes we honour today, we send our heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Captain Smit Machchhar of India,” Herzog said.

About the Author

Bhanu Pratap is a journalist who reports and writes on foreign affairs, India’s foreign policy, geopolitics and strategic affairs. He closely follows diplomatic developments in New Delhi and has a keen interest in defence and national security.<br> <br> Bhanu also focuses on in-depth, interview-based reports and regularly speaking with experts and policymakers to bring perspectives and context to major developments around the world.<br> <br> He is also interested in stories with strong humanitarian angles.<br><br> One such report examined the cases of Indian nationals who were allegedly recruited and forced into Russia’s war against Ukraine. While reporting the story, Bhanu spoke to the families of those affected and documented their experiences. The report was later taken into account by the United Nations in its findings on human rights violations linked to the war in Ukraine.<br> <br> For Bhanu, the zeal to produce meaningful and impactful journalism remains at the heart of his work.<br> <br>He has previously worked with Firstpost, NDTV, Newslaundry and Republic.<br><br> Bhanu studied at the Delhi School of Journalism, University of Delhi. He initially chose science with plans to pursue engineering, influenced by conventional expectations, but fate had other plans and eventually led him to journalism.<br><br> Beyond the newsroom, Bhanu enjoys exploring culture and history and often spends his days off on heritage walks. He is also passionate about travelling, biking and listening to folk music.<br> <br>For tips, reviews and suggestions, you can reach him at bhanu.pratap@htdigital.in.