Israeli PM Invites Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar to Light Torch at Independence Day Ceremony

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended a high-level invitation to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, honoring him for his extraordinary bravery during a life-threatening mid-air incident aboard a Flydubai flight. In a gesture reserved almost exclusively for Israeli nationals, the Prime Minister has invited the pilot to join him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in lighting a ceremonial flame during Israel’s upcoming Independence Day festivities next May.

The invitation came during a personal telephone call from the Israeli leader to the hospitalised pilot. In a video released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu hailed the captain’s conduct, declaring him a hero not only for Israel and India but for the international community at large.

A Harrowing Account from the Cockpit

During their conversation, Captain Machchhar provided a chilling firsthand account of the events that unfolded inside the cockpit. The pilot explained that the incident began when his co-pilot requested a break for prayer. “A lot of locals, they do pray, which is not out of the ordinary,” Machchhar recounted. Out of respect for his colleague’s religious observance, the captain maintained his focus on the flight path, unaware of the danger looming behind him.

The situation escalated rapidly within minutes. Machchhar described being struck on the back of his head with significant force. Initially believing the aircraft had suffered a catastrophic technical failure, he soon realized he was being subjected to a deliberate assault. “The blows kept coming one after the other,” he told the Prime Minister.

Despite suffering from severe injuries, the captain’s survival instincts took over. He recalled a frantic struggle to reach the cockpit door. Although his attacker attempted to keep the exit sealed, the injured pilot mustered his final reserves of strength to force it open. “I had that one last fight left in me,” he said. His persistence ultimately allowed him to escape the cockpit, where assistance was waiting. According to reports from UAE investigators, the co-pilot had premeditated the violent act, arming himself with an axe to carry out the attack.

Global Recognition of Bravery

Captain Machchhar has received widespread praise for his composure and courage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held a video call with the pilot earlier, commended his presence of mind, noting that India is proud of citizens who prioritize the safety of others over their own lives. During their interaction, the captain revealed his source of inner strength during the ordeal, sharing that he had been reciting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting for his life.

The pilot remains under medical care in the United Arab Emirates, where he has received support from regional leadership. The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, visited the pilot on Saturday to personally commend his actions, which are being credited with preventing a much larger tragedy. As he continues his recovery, the invitation from the Israeli government serves as a testament to the global impact of his selfless response in the face of terror.

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