Israeli President Isaac Herzog has written to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar , calling him a “hero of Israel, India, and all of humanity” and pledging to present him with Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after he recovers from injuries sustained while stopping an alleged attempt to hijack a Flydubai aircraft.
Herzog had announced that Machchhar would receive the same recognition once he recovered. Herzog’s decision to honor Machchhar follows a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, where six Israeli passengers who helped stop the alleged attack received the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. His latest letter reiterates that commitment and extends an invitation for the Indian captain to visit Jerusalem .
In a post on X, Herzog said he had sent Machchhar a letter over the weekend, expressing his prayers for the captain’s recovery and inviting him to Jerusalem once he regains his strength. Herzog said he was looking forward to welcoming the Indian captain to Jerusalem and personally presenting him with the award once he had recovered. “Captain Smit Machchhar, you are a hero of Israel, India, and all of humanity!” the Israeli president wrote in his message. Herzog also drew a connection between the captain’s actions and the historical role of Indian soldiers who fought to liberate cities in the Holy Land more than a century ago, according to Israel National News.
