A large billboard was placed at the Ad Halom Junction on Highway 4 in Israel in honor of the flydubai flight FZ 1073 pilot, Smit Machchhar.
The billboard, placed by the Talor Karadi Group, features a picture of Machchhar, the Indian national who fought to unlock the cockpit after he was attacked by a terrorist who tried to hijack the flight in a reported attempt to crash the Israeli-filled plane into a Tel Aviv building.
Machchhar's actions after he was struck with an emergency crash axe by Omani terrorist co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami prevented the death of hundreds of Israelis.
The billboard reads, "Thank you, hero" in Hindi and in Hebrew, with Smit's picture placed on the backdrop of an Indian and Israeli flag.
Talor Karadi Group says they included the message in Hindi so that their appreciation would reach Machchhar in his native language.
Placed prominently at Ad Halom Junction for commuters to see
Ad Halom Junction is a heavily trafficked area, and the billboard is in a prominent spot exposed to commuters.
"We wanted to express appreciation in a simple and clear way to a person who acted responsibly and professionally at a critical moment. We hope the message reaches him. Thank you, Captain, on behalf of the entire nation of Israel," said CEO of Talor Karadi Group.
Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a thank-you message to Machchhar on X/Twitter.
"My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery."
"Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker - preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster. He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals," he wrote.
"I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery. He is a true hero."