5 Israelis who helped avert a flydubai disaster to receive heroism awards

Five Israelis who helped prevent a possible disaster aboard a flydubai flight will receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after they intervened during a cockpit stabbing and helped overpower the co-pilot, President Isaac Herzog said.

The incident also involved Indian pilot Smit Machchha, who Israeli officials said managed to open the cockpit door despite being stabbed by the co-pilot. The move allowed passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and help bring the situation under control.

Herzog said the five passengers had put themselves at risk to protect others and praised their actions as an example of courage.

Here is what is known about the five Israelis set to receive the award.

Yaniv Hayoun

Yaniv Hayoun, a plumber, was among those who intervened after passengers realised there was an emergency inside the cockpit.

According to the account shared with Herzog, Hayoun broke into the cockpit and helped overpower the co-pilot, eventually pinning him down.

Hayoun returned to Israel on Wednesday and was personally welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He was seen wearing a shirt that still had blood on it.

Asaf Rajuan

Asaf Rajuan was also among the passengers who helped restrain the attacker inside the cockpit.

Speaking to Herzog, Rajuan described the situation as an extraordinary incident in which passengers initially felt helpless while the plane was still in the air.

He said their response was instinctive, driven by the need to protect their families, fellow passengers and children.

Tali Manes

Tali Manes was added to the list of award recipients after Herzog’s office initially announced four winners.

Manes heard the commotion coming from the cockpit and was the first to alert other passengers and call for assistance, according to the president’s office.

Her actions helped draw attention to what was happening and prompted passengers to respond.

The two other Israeli passengers

Herzog’s office said a total of five Israelis would receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. The initial announcement named four recipients, before Tali Manes was later added.

The material provided identifies Hayoun, Rajuan and Manes among the five recipients, but does not name the remaining two Israelis.

The passengers had rushed towards the cockpit after a woman screamed that there had been a stabbing. Their intervention came after the Indian pilot, Smit Machchha, managed to open the cockpit door.

Indian pilot Smit Machchha also praised

Alongside the Israeli passengers, Herzog also praised Machchha for his role in bringing the situation under control.

Israeli officials said the pilot was stabbed by the co-pilot but still managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.

Herzog thanked the Israelis who stepped in and said their actions prevented what could have been a much more serious disaster.

The five Israelis are now set to be formally recognised with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for their role in responding to the cockpit attack.