New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lauded Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for displaying extraordinary courage and saving the lives of 174 passengers after surviving a brutal attack by his co-pilot mid-flight. Speaking to him over the phone, Netanyahu invited Captain Machchhar as a distinguished guest to Israel’s Independence Day celebrations.
Israel is set to honor him with its highest official distinction of lighting a torch during the Independence Day ceremony. “You are a hero of Israel, India, and the world. While this honor is usually reserved for Israeli citizens, the entire nation of Israel will welcome you with open arms,” Netanyahu told Smit. He has also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Independence Day event.
On September 30, aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Omani co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami attacked Captain Smit Machchhar on the head with a crash axe. Despite being covered in blood, Smit displayed immense bravery by unlocking the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and avert a major disaster.
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