Captain Smit Machchhar went to work expecting an ordinary flight. Instead, he reportedly found himself fighting for his life and the lives of 174 passengers aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

According to reports, Captain Machchhar, an Indian-origin pilot, was attacked and stabbed in the neck by his Omani co-pilot during an alleged mid-air attempt to crash the aircraft.

Israeli’s thanking the pilot

Already wounded, Captain Machchhar fought like a lion.

He reportedly fended off the co-pilot despite his injuries and managed to open the cockpit door and shouted for others to come and help, alerting passengers that something was terribly wrong.

Those cries for help brought passengers rushing forward. Together, they reportedly helped Captain Machchhar overpower and subdue the co-pilot, restraining and tying him up before he could cause further harm.

Captain Machchhar’s decision to keep fighting, open the door even after being stabbed, surely helper prevent an unimaginable catastrophe.

Video shows passengers treating the wounded Indian captain after the attacker was restrained. Still believing he needed to fly the plane, the captain resisted pain medication that would sedate him and said “no sleep, no sleep” Israelis reassured him that someone else had taken control and told him to rest: “it’s good for you! You need to rest! You saved everyone.”

Captain Machchhar joined Flydubai in 2022 after nearly a decade flying for SpiceJet. On this flight, however, he was called upon to do far more than fly an airplane.

He fought for his passengers. He called for help. And when help came, they fought together. If not for him the news would be about 174 dead passengers or even more if the plane had crashed into a high-rise etc.

Now we want to stand behind the man who stood up for them.

JBN is launching this fundraiser to show Captain Machchhar and his family how deeply his courage is appreciated and to support him following this traumatic ordeal and during his recovery.

Our goal is for the Jewish and Israeli community, along with people around the world, to come together and send him a simple message:

You risked your life to protect ours. We will not forget you.

Funds raised are intended to benefit Captain Machchhar and assist him and his family as he recovers. We will provide updates regarding the transfer and use of funds as arrangements are finalized. The plan is that once the funds are raised, to do a follow up story of our editor presenting him or his family the check.

Please donate whatever you can and share this fundraiser.

Captain Smit Machchhar fought like a lion when more than 150 lives were at stake. Now it is our turn to stand behind him.

Organized by Jewish Breaking News (JBN)