Israel Awards Georgian-Born Jew Shota Musaev for Heroism

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has awarded six people, including Georgian-born Jew Shota Musaev, for civilian heroism. The award was given for their contribution to saving passengers of a Flydubai aircraft.

Addressing the awardees, Herzog said: "At a moment when so many lives were in danger, you acted without hesitation, with courage, skill and exceptional mutual responsibility. You put yourselves at risk to save others and prevented a large-scale catastrophe. The whole world saw the beautiful and brave face of Israeli society. I am proud of you and thank you on behalf of the State of Israel".

Shota Musaev provided necessary medical assistance to a seriously wounded pilot, stopped his bleeding and stabilized his condition.

The incident took place on September 30 on a flydubai flight heading to Tel Aviv. More than 170 people were on board the aircraft. During the flight, the second pilot, who was originally from Oman, inflicted stab wounds on the aircraft's chief captain, Indian national Smith Macharr. According to Israel, he attempted to bring down the aircraft.

According to available reports, despite his wounds, the captain managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members rushed into the cockpit and tied up the attacker with headphone cables and plastic zip ties. Other pilots on board, who were off duty and travelling as passengers, stabilized the situation and the flight landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the incident is being considered a "terrorist attack". The investigation is ongoing.

Source: Netgazeti