President Herzog Presents Six Heroes of the FlyDubai Flight with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism

On October 8, 2026, President Isaac Herzog presented the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to six individuals who were on board the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026. The ceremony took place at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism was presented to Tali and Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr. Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan, and Or Pardilov. During the ceremony, President Herzog announced that he will also present Captain Smit Machchhar of India the same award once he has recovered from his injuries.

The Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism is Israel’s highest civilian award for heroism. Established by President Herzog after October 7th, it expresses the State of Israel’s recognition of individuals who acted with exceptional heroism, at real risk to their own lives, out of mutual responsibility, and in order to save human life.

President Isaac Herzog:

“We gather today in Jerusalem to salute six seemingly ordinary individuals who revealed themselves as extraordinary heroes while saving the FlyDubai flight last week. Through their courage, determination, and remarkable presence of mind, these heroes prevented a devastating aviation disaster that would have sent shockwaves all around the world, and they saved 174 precious lives.

“Alongside the Israeli heroes whom we honor today, we send our heartfelt wishes for the full and speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar of India. Captain Machchhar’s sheer bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe. Once he regains strength, it will be my privilege to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.

“There is a profound lesson we must draw from this remarkable story: just as people from different nations joined forces to save that aircraft, so too must the international community stand united against the global threat of terror. Yesterday we marked the third anniversary of the single most barbaric, murderous attack on the State of Israel and its citizens. October 7, 2023, scarred the Israeli people irrevocably, and the trauma will be palpable for generations. We have learned, through painful sacrifice, what it means to face an existential threat. And we have learned that confronting it requires foresight, determination, and, above all, international cooperation in fighting terror. I have absolute confidence in the thorough investigation conducted by our dear friends in the United Arab Emirates, who we greatly respect.

“The events of last week reminded the international community of a reality Israelis know very well: when danger strikes, it is good to have an Israeli by your side. And I would add one more point: it is better still to hear Israel’s strategic alerts and warnings before danger strikes.”

The recipients of the award shared their feelings during the ceremony:

Tali Manes: “I guess that I am a mother with maternal intuition, and I was in the right place at the right time, with the very best people there could be.”

Zvika Manes: “What pushed me forward was the screams of my daughters. When a parent hears a scream like that, they act without thinking.”

Yaniv Hayoun: “It is a great honor that the President chose to award me the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. It will be displayed proudly in our home, and my children will be able to see it every day.”

Dr. Shota Musayev: “Many miracles happened that day. We were a chain of people who helped, and if even one link had been missing, the chain would have broken. Everyone acted heroically.”

Asaf Rajuan: “I think all of us, all the passengers on that flight, have become a kind of family. We have two birthdays: the first is our real birthday, and the second is September 30, the day of the flight.”