President of the State Isaac Herzog spoke with the four Israelis who demonstrated exceptional bravery in an incident on a flight from Dubai to Israel and announced his intention to recommend awarding them the "President's Medal for Civilian Bravery".
Yaniv Hayon, Dr. Shota Musaev, Zvika Menz, and Asaf Rajuan.
During the incident, after one pilot stabbed the other and the plane began to lose altitude, the Israelis acted quickly and decisively. Starting with the Indian pilot, Captain Sumit Machhar, who fought the attacker and opened the cockpit door, Tali Menz who alerted to the unusual event, and then Hayon, Menz, and Rajuan rushed to assist, entered the cockpit, and subdued the attacker at real risk to their lives, while Hayon stabilized the aircraft's controls. After neutralizing him, Dr. Musaev provided life-saving medical treatment to the severely injured pilot and helped stabilize his condition until the emergency landing of the plane in Saudi Arabia. The swift action of the passengers and crew prevented a heavy disaster.
President Herzog:
"At moments when the lives of so many people were in danger, you acted without hesitation, with courage, resourcefulness, and exceptional mutual responsibility. You risked yourselves to save others and prevented a heavy disaster. The whole world saw today the beautiful and courageous face of Israeli society. I am proud of you and thank you on behalf of the State of Israel. It is my intention to bring the story of your bravery before the Advisory Committee for the President's Medal for Civilian Bravery and recommend that they award you the medal. In addition, my gratitude and deep appreciation, on behalf of the State of Israel, go to the Indian pilot, Captain Sumit Machhar, whose determination and actions enabled the neutralization and saved many lives."