Stories
Indians Save Israelis Again: Smit Machhar's Heroism Follows Sandra's Bravery in 26/11
- •Indian pilot Smit Machhar averted a major disaster on Flydubai flight FZ1073 to Tel Aviv, bravely facing an attack from the co-pilot in the cockpit.
- •This is not the first time an Indian has risked their life to help Israelis; in the 2008 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Indian nanny Sandra Samuel saved 2-year-old Jewish child Moshe Holtzberg.
- •Sandra risked her life to rescue Moshe from Nariman House, where his parents, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, were killed by terrorists.
- •The Israeli government honored Sandra for her courage, granting her permanent residency and Israeli citizenship, and awarding her 'Righteous Among the Nations'.
- •Sandra Samuel now lives in Jerusalem, working for an organization that helps children with disabilities, while Moshe has grown up and lives in Israel with his grandparents.
Key Questions Answered
Captain Smit Machhar bravely fought off an attack by the Omani co-pilot in the cockpit with a sharp weapon, opened the cockpit door, and allowed Israeli passengers to help subdue the attacker, averting a hijack or crash attempt on Flydubai flight FZ1073 heading to Tel Aviv.
During the November 26, 2008 terror attack on Nariman House, Sandra heard little Moshe crying for her from the upper floor. Risking her life while terrorists were still present, she ran upstairs, picked up the child from beside his deceased parents, and fled safely with building employee Zakir Hussain.
The Israeli government granted Sandra permanent residency and Israeli citizenship in 2010. Furthermore, Israel honored her with its highest award given to non-Jewish citizens, known as 'Righteous Among the Nations'.
