Flydubai survivors wait months for terror victim status

Passengers who overpowered a co-pilot attempting to crash a plane into Ben-Gurion Airport on September 30 say they are still waiting for official recognition as terror victims. A month after the incident, survivors report receiving no state assistance for the psychological trauma and financial strain caused by the event.

Israel has not formally classified the incident as an act of terrorism. This status is required for the National Insurance Institute to provide benefits under the Compensation for Victims of Hostile Acts Law. Without this designation, passengers cannot access state funding for urgent psychological treatment.

Defense Minister Israel Katz described the event as a jihadist terrorist attack on the day it occurred. On October 9, the UAE attorney-general confirmed that Hammam al-Hammami, the Omani co-pilot, intended to crash the aircraft into the terminal. Al-Hammami admitted during questioning in the UAE that he was inspired by the September 11 attacks and had spent years preparing. He stated he used two prior flights to Israel to study the route and airport layout.

Survivors argue that ministerial statements and the co-pilot's confession are not enough. The National Insurance Institute requires authorization from a designated authority within the Defense Ministry. That authority is waiting for investigative materials from the Shin Bet and Mossad. Officials indicate each agency is waiting for the other to finalize their assessment.

In the interim, passengers are managing their recovery independently. One survivor said that no government representative has contacted them since their return. Some passengers struggle with anxiety, sleep issues, and mood changes. The children of one passenger described their mother's condition, noting she fears developing post-traumatic stress disorder. They added that she is unwilling to request help from authorities herself.

A WhatsApp group has formed among the survivors to share resources. The group is raising money to cover therapy costs for members who cannot afford treatment. One passenger noted that some were rejected by the National Insurance Institute last week because the necessary authorization had not yet been issued. The survivor argued that the state risks higher costs by delaying support.

The passengers are also preparing legal action. According to a report by Calcalist, the group has retained the Naschitz Brandes Amir law firm. They plan to sue flydubai, the State of Israel, and other parties. The claims could total hundreds of millions of dollars. A committee led by Zvika Mans, a passenger who helped restrain the co-pilot, is coordinating the effort. The group is scheduled to meet with lawyers next Tuesday to advance the proceedings.

The Defense Ministry stated that its approving authority is in contact with the National Insurance Institute and will decide after receiving information from investigative bodies. The Mossad said it provided its assessment to the Defense Ministry several days ago and will forward its response to the approving authority in the coming days.