Two online fundraisers for Capt. Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot stabbed aboard an Israel-bound flydubai flight, had raised more than $79,000 combined by Thursday, as supporters rallied to assist his recovery.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Jewish Breaking News raised more than $73,000 toward a $130,000 goal. A separate campaign organized by Tal Dooreck raised more than $6,000. Both described their purpose as supporting the wounded captain.
“You risked your life to protect ours. We will not forget you,” the Jewish Breaking News campaign stated, appealing to Jewish and Israeli communities and supporters worldwide.
Organizers said the funds were intended to assist Machchhar and his family, with transfer arrangements still being finalized.
The fundraising came alongside tributes from prominent Indian entertainers and athletes. Cricket star Sachin Tendulkar praised Machchhar on X/Twitter, writing: “A true real-life hero. The entire world is proud of you.” Former India cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina also posted messages honoring him, The Times of India reported.
Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door before collapsing
Bollywood actors Sonam Kapoor, Raveena Tandon and Shamita Shetty shared tributes on social media, ANI said. The reports did not establish whether any of the celebrities had donated to the campaigns.
Machchhar was wounded during Wednesday’s flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Passenger Yaniv Hayoun said he believed the captain had unlocked the cockpit door before collapsing, The Jerusalem Post previously reported.
Israeli dentist Shota Musayev helped treat the wounded pilot before the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar was hospitalized.