Herzog Offers Flydubai Captain Israel’s Civilian Heroism Award

Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar was hurt when his co-pilot attacked him during a flight.

Machchhar fought back and helped keep the plane safe.

The article says he opened the cockpit door so passengers could help take control of the aircraft.

He is recovering in a Dubai hospital and has had brain surgery.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog wrote to him to praise his bravery.

Herzog invited him to Jerusalem to receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.

Preliminary investigations say the co-pilot planned to take over the plane and crash it into an airport terminal in Tel Aviv.

The award offer recognizes Machchhar’s actions during the emergency.