President Isaac Herzog has sent a letter to Captain Smit Machchhar, expressing the deep gratitude of the State of Israel for his exceptional courage and determination, shown in the brave actions that prevented a major disaster.

In the letter, the President wished Captain Machchhar a speedy recovery and invited him to visit Jerusalem once his rehabilitation is complete. Captain Machchhar received the letter in person at the hospital.

The President also announced that Captain Machchhar will be awarded the President’s Medal for Civilian Heroism.

“I wish to express my appreciation and esteem for the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, who fought fiercely despite his severe injury and managed, with his last remaining strength, to open the cockpit door,” Herzog said. “From here I send him, on behalf of all of us, wishes for a full and speedy recovery. I intend to honor him as well, as the committee also recommended, with the President’s Medal for Civilian Heroism.”

In his letter to the pilot, Herzog wrote: “Your ability to find the strength to rise above the pain, to face the immediate threat to your life and to exercise judgment, testifies to the strength of your character and to the great courage of spirit with which you are blessed.”