Israel

Herzog Thanks Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar in Letter, Invites Him to Jerusalem

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Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of Israeli President Isaac Herzog at right shaking hands with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken beside flags and press microphones, based on an archival August 2024 photograph in Tel Aviv; actor context, not a depiction of Captain Smit Machchhar, the October 2026 letter or a future award ceremony, rendered in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel strokes.

President Isaac Herzog sent a letter thanking flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for steering his aircraft to safety and averting catastrophe for its passengers on September 30, 2026. Machchhar received the letter while recovering in hospital. Herzog wished him a full and speedy recovery and invited him to Jerusalem once he regained his strength. The president said he would present Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after the captain recovered. The award intention had been announced earlier this week at a ceremony recognizing six Israeli passengers.

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