Netanyahu Invites PM Modi and Captain Smit Machchhar to Israel’s Independence Day Ceremony
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light the ceremonial flame at Israel’s upcoming Independence Day celebrations.
During a telephone conversation with Captain Machchhar, Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the Indian pilot for his courage and presence of mind in foiling a mid-air attack. He described Captain Machchhar as a hero of India, Israel and the world and wished him a speedy and complete recovery.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also conveyed his best wishes to Captain Machchhar’s family and acknowledged the bravery displayed by the pilot during the incident.
The invitation carries particular significance because the honour of lighting the ceremonial flame at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony is traditionally reserved for Israeli citizens. Inviting an Indian pilot for this recognition would therefore represent an unusual and notable gesture of appreciation for his actions.
Captain Machchhar is currently in Abu Dhabi, where he is receiving medical treatment and recovering from injuries sustained during the cockpit attack.
According to the account provided about the incident, Captain Machchhar demonstrated exceptional courage and presence of mind while dealing with the emergency, helping protect the 174 passengers on board.
The proposed participation of Captain Machchhar and Prime Minister Modi in Israel’s Independence Day ceremony would also highlight the close people-to-people and diplomatic ties between India and Israel, while recognizing the pilot’s reported actions during the flight emergency.
Key Points
Key Points
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally spoke with Captain Smit Machchhar and praised him for his courage and presence of mind during the cockpit attack.
- Netanyahu invited Captain Smit Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light the ceremonial flame at Israel’s upcoming Independence Day celebrations.
- Netanyahu described Captain Machchhar as a hero of India, Israel and the wider world in recognition of his reported bravery.
- Captain Machchhar is currently recovering from injuries sustained during the cockpit attack on the Dubai–Tel Aviv Flydubai flight.
- The ceremonial torch-lighting is an important tradition associated with Israel’s Independence Day celebrations.
- Reports indicate that the selection of individuals for the traditional torch-lighting ceremony normally follows an established process, making the reported invitation to Captain Machchhar particularly notable.
