President Isaac Herzog presented Israel’s highest civilian honor on October 8, 2026, to six Israeli citizens. They played a vital role in preventing an attempted hijacking aboard a flydubai flight. The dramatic midair incident unfolded on a flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Authorities reported that an attacker attempted to seize control of the commercial aircraft.
The prestigious Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism ceremony took place at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. The honorees recognized for their extraordinary bravery, quick thinking, and mutual responsibility include Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr. Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan, and Or Pardilov.
Details of the Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Incident
The harrowing events took place aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30, 2026. According to multiple reports and official investigations, the co-pilot-identified by sources as Omani citizen Hamman al-Hamammi-attacked the captain inside the cockpit. This caused the aircraft to suddenly plummet toward the ground amid chaos and fear.
Despite sustaining serious wounds during the struggle, Indian Captain Smit Machchhar fought back against the assailant and managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers quickly stepped in to avert a catastrophic disaster that threatened the 174 people on board and potentially countless lives on the ground.
- Tali Manes: Recognized for being near the cockpit with her young daughter, hearing the violent struggle, and being the first to sound the alarm before calling forward qualified pilots from the rear of the plane.
- Yaniv Hayoun, Zvika Manes, Asaf Rajuan, and Or Pardilov: Commended for rushing the cockpit, subduing the attacker using makeshift restraints like headphone cables, and helping steady the aircraft’s controls.
- Dr. Shota Musayev: Honored for helping restrain the assailant and administering critical, lifesaving medical treatment to stop the injured captain’s bleeding until the plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
President Herzog Praises the Civilian Heroes
During the moving ceremony in Jerusalem, President Herzog praised the passengers for their decisive choice to protect human life during a moment of supreme crisis.
“At the moment when a choice had to be made – you chose life. For all of this, I award you today the President’s Medal for Civilian Bravery,” President Herzog stated during his address. “You revealed the face of the Israeli spirit. A spirit of courage. A spirit of extraordinary resourcefulness. A spirit that says: When there is danger, we act.”
Herzog also emphasized that while the heroism of the passengers saved the flight, the incident demands absolute accountability and transparency regarding security lapses.
“The civilian bravery and resourcefulness demonstrated by the heroes present here cannot overshadow the obligation to obtain full answers. Everyone, all of us, deserves clear and satisfactory answers,” Herzog added.
Background on the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism
President Herzog established the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The decoration serves as Israel’s highest civilian valor honor. It is specifically designed to recognize individuals who display exceptional bravery while placing their own lives in genuine danger to rescue others. Candidates are thoroughly reviewed and recommended by a specialized advisory committee appointed by the president.
In addition to honoring the six passengers, President Herzog also awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor to Israel Bonds during the event. This recognized the organization’s 75-year history of strengthening Israel’s global economic standing and financial resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who received the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism from President Herzog?
President Isaac Herzog presented the award to six Israeli civilians: Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr. Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan, and Or Pardilov.
What flight was involved in the attempted hijacking?
The incident occurred aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026.
How was the attacker stopped?
After the co-pilot attacked the captain and the plane began to plummet, the wounded captain managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers rushed forward, subdued the attacker using headphone cables, and helped stabilize the aircraft until it landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Where did the plane land during the emergency?
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where local authorities took the attacker into custody.
When was the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism established?
President Isaac Herzog established the award following the events of October 7, 2023, to honor civilians who risk their lives to save others during extreme crises.
