YERUSHALAYIM — Israeli President Isaac Herzog has sent a personal letter of appreciation to Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, recognizing his courage during the September 30 attempted hijacking and thanking him for helping protect the passengers aboard the aircraft.

Machchhar received the letter while recovering in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates following the frightening incident.

In his message, Herzog expressed Israel's gratitude for the captain's bravery and wished him a complete and speedy recovery. The president also invited Machchhar to visit Yerushalayim once his health permits.

Herzog announced plans to present the captain with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, recognizing his actions during the attack.

The letter follows an earlier ceremony honoring six Israeli passengers who helped stop the attempted hijacking aboard the Flydubai flight.

The latest gesture places special recognition on the captain, whose actions during the emergency helped prevent a potentially devastating outcome.