Smit Machchhar
Israeli Singer sings Hanuman Chalisa for Flydubai's Indian pilot Smit Machchhar after his mid-air act of bravery
Israeli singer Ben Raivitz has recorded his own version of the Hanuman Chalisa and shared it on Instagram, dedicating the devotional hymn to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in recognition of his reported bravery during an onboard emergency involving a Flydubai flight.
Machchhar was piloting Flydubai Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when his Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
During his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar reportedly revealed that he had been reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the mid-air ordeal.
Sharing the video on Instagram, Raivitz praised the Indian captain for his courage and dedication to saving lives.
“Captain Smit Machchhar is an Indian hero that saved so many lives and prevented a catastrophe. I want to dedicate this to him and wish him a full and speedy recovery,” the singer wrote.
Israel to Honour Indian Pilot With Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism
The Israeli government will honour Machchhar with the country's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his role in preventing a potential mid-air catastrophe aboard the Dubai–Tel Aviv flight.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on Thursday that the Indian pilot would receive the honour once he recovers from his injuries. According to The Indian Express, Herzog praised Machchhar's courage and actions, saying they had “helped avert a catastrophe”.
In a separate statement issued by the President's Office, Herzog expressed his gratitude to the Indian captain.
“My deep gratitude and appreciation, on behalf of the State of Israel, to the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, whose determination and actions made the neutralization possible and saved many lives,” the statement said.
The Israeli President also wished Machchhar a full and speedy recovery, praising his bravery and determination. The pilot is currently undergoing treatment in the United Arab Emirates.
What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight 1073?
Machchhar was reportedly captaining Flydubai Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when his Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked him with a crash axe inside the cockpit.
During the confrontation, the aircraft reportedly lost altitude rapidly, raising fears of a possible crash.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door and alert others on board. Passengers and crew members then rushed to the cockpit and helped overpower the alleged attacker.
Other pilots aboard the aircraft subsequently took control and landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.
Indian Captain Receives Global Recognition
Machchhar's reported actions have drawn praise from leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.
His reported account of reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the emergency has also drawn attention, with Raivitz's musical tribute adding a personal gesture of solidarity from Israel.
The dedication comes as Machchhar continues his recovery in the UAE following the incident.
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