"Yaniv Hayoun, Zvika Manes, Asaf Rajuan rushed into the cockpit to assist, subduing the attacker despite life-threatening danger, while Doctor Shota Musayev provided emergency aid to the injured pilot, helping him survive," Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated today, referring to the four passengers who saved flydubai flight FZ1073 yesterday.

Hayoun, Manes, and Rajuan were the first to enter the cockpit after the Omani co-pilot severely stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, seized control, and attempted to crash the aircraft. Hayoun applied knowledge gained from television to pull the controls, regaining altitude for the plane at the most critical moment.

From left to right: Doctor Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan, Yaniv Hayoun, and Zvika Manes return to Israel on 30/9. *Times of Israel*.

Musayev, a dentist on the flight, provided first aid and stopped the bleeding for Captain Machchhar until the plane landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

"Therefore, I have decided to propose bestowing the President's Civilian Hero award upon these four Israeli citizens for their brave actions," Herzog said. "The swift response of the passengers and crew prevented a catastrophe."

The Israeli president stated he had spoken with all four individuals and "expressed deep appreciation for their quick thinking, courage, and sense of community responsibility demonstrated during an exceptionally dangerous moment."

President Herzog also commended Tali, Manes' wife, who was the first to detect and warn of the unusual activity in the cockpit. He also thanked Indian Captain Machchhar, "who acted decisively, thereby helping to subdue the attacker and save many lives."

Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured after being stabbed multiple times by the co-pilot on a flydubai flight on 30/9. *Telegraph*.

The President's Award for Civilian Hero is an initiative by Herzog following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7/10/2023. This is Israel's highest civilian award for heroic actions.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Times of Israel)