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Israel’s President Thanks Pilot for Courageous Emergency Landing

Israel’s President Thanks Pilot for Courageous Emergency Landing
'Treasured Part of Our People’s History': Israel President Writes to Capt Smit Machchhar, Praises His 'Strength of Character' · republicworld.com

Captain Smit Machchhar is an Indian pilot who faced a dangerous situation in the air.

He managed to bring his aircraft to safety, and everyone on board was unharmed.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog wrote him a letter to say thank you.

Herzog praised the pilot for staying strong and making good decisions under pressure.

He also compared Machchhar’s actions with those of Indian troops who helped liberate cities in the Holy Land more than a hundred years ago.

Herzog said Machchhar would be remembered as part of Israel’s history.

At the time of the letter, Machchhar was recovering in the United Arab Emirates.

Herzog wished him a quick recovery and hoped to welcome him to Jerusalem.

Key facts

Letter date
October 4, 2026
Sender
Israeli President Isaac Herzog
Recipient
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar
Pilot’s actions
Steered the aircraft to safety and averted a mid-air catastrophe
Passengers
All passengers were unharmed
Recovery location
United Arab Emirates
Historical comparison
Herzog referenced Indian troops who liberated cities in the Holy Land more than a century ago

Quotes

Isaac Herzog

President of Israel

“On behalf of the State of Israel, I write to express our deepest gratitude for your exceptional courage and determination in steering your aircraft to safety and averting a certain catastrophe for all the innocent passengers on board.”
republicworld.com
“Your ability to find the strength to rise above the pain, to combat the immediate threat to your life, and to operate sound judgment demonstrates the strength of your character and the great valor you possess.”
republicworld.com

Sources

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