President Isaac Herzog awarded six Israeli civilians who helped prevent the recent attempted flydubai hijacking with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.
The President's Office presented the award to Tali Manes, Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun, Dr. Shota Musayev, Asaf Rajuan, and Or Pardilov during a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem for their role in preventing the would-be hijacker from crashing the plane.
Herzog initially announced earlier this month that he would recommend four Israelis for the award: Yaniv Hayoun, Dr. Shota Musayev, Zvika Manes, and Asaf Rajuan. Later, he also said he would add Tali Manes, Zvika's wife, to the list.
"Tali, Yaniv, Tzvika, Or, Assaf, Dr. Shota, the Medal for Civilian Bravery being awarded to you here today symbolizes more than the fact that you saved lives," Herzog said in his remarks. "The civilian bravery and resourcefulness demonstrated by the heroes present here cannot overshadow the obligation to obtain full answers. Everyone, all of us, deserves clear and satisfactory answers.
"The Medal for Civilian Bravery is being awarded to you also because, in the moment of truth, you revealed something much deeper: You revealed the face of the Israeli spirit. A spirit of courage. A spirit of extraordinary resourcefulness. A spirit that says: When there is danger, we act."
He went on to praise the heroes of flight 1073 for their "simple, human, and profoundly Israeli act: At the moment when a choice had to be made – you chose life. For all of this, I award you today the President's Medal for Civilian Bravery."
Herzog awards Israel Bonds Presidential Medal of Honor
Herzog also awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor to Israel Bonds for its role in contributing to Israel's global economic standing.
“For 75 years, Israel Bonds has served as a vital bridge between the State of Israel and supporters, financial institutions, and investors around the world," Herzog said.
"From the earliest days of our statehood, investors across the globe have placed their trust and their resources in Israel’s economy and development. Since October 7, 2023, their extraordinary support has been a powerful expression of solidarity and of confidence in the strength and resilience of our people and our economy. The State of Israel owes you profound gratitude.”
Presidential Medal for Civilian Heroism established after October 7
The President's Medal for Civilian Heroism was established by Herzog during the war to honor civilians who displayed extraordinary courage while placing their lives in genuine danger to save others.
The award, described as Israel's highest civilian valor honor, is conferred after the president's advisory committee examines candidates and makes a recommendation.
Herzog established the civilian heroism award following the October 7 massacre, after numerous accounts emerged of civilians risking their lives to rescue others during the Hamas-led attack and the war that followed.