President Isaac Herzog has announced that he intends to recommend four Israelis for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after they helped prevent a catastrophe aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel.

Herzog spoke Wednesday with Yaniv Hayoun, Dr. Shota Musayev, Zvika Manes and Asaf Rajuan, praising their courage and quick thinking during the terrifying incident.

“You put yourselves at risk to save others and prevented a terrible disaster,” Herzog told them. “I am proud of you, and I thank you on behalf of the State of Israel.”

The emergency unfolded after one pilot stabbed the other and the aircraft began plummeting. The wounded Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, fought the attacker and managed to open the cockpit door. Passenger Tali Manes raised the alarm after realizing something was wrong.

Hayoun, Zvika Manes and Rajuan rushed to the cockpit and helped overpower the attacker. Hayoun also helped steady the aircraft’s controls.

Once the attacker was subdued, Dr. Musayev provided emergency treatment to the seriously wounded captain, helping stabilize him until the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Herzog said he would bring the passengers’ actions before the award’s advisory committee and recommend that they receive the honor. He also praised Captain Machchhar, saying his determination helped make it possible to subdue the attacker and save lives.

Dr. Musayev emphasized that the passengers’ survival reflected a collective effort.

“It wasn’t only my heroism. Everyone who was there and came near the cockpit was part of it. We were all heroes,” he told Herzog, describing how passengers supported one another both aboard the aircraft and after arriving in Saudi Arabia.

During his conversation with Zvika Manes, Herzog asked him to convey his appreciation to Tali for being the first to raise the alarm.

Rajuan described the response as instinctive, driven by the need “to survive, to save the family, the people, and the children.” Hayoun expressed relief that the ordeal was behind them and thanked Herzog for the warm reception.

The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism was established by Herzog during the war to recognize people who demonstrate exceptional courage while risking their lives to save others. Recipients are selected following an advisory committee’s review and recommendation.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)