Definition
Michel Bacos (born 8 August 1930) is a French former airline pilot best known for his role in protecting and rescuing Iranian Jewish hostages during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, an act for which he was later honored as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem.
Overview
Michel Bacos was born in Paris, France. He pursued a career in aviation, joining Air France in the 1950s and eventually becoming a captain of the Boeing 707 and later the Boeing 747. On 4 February 1979, Bacos was piloting an Air France flight (Flight 291) from Tehran to Paris when the aircraft was seized by Iranian militants aligned with the revolutionary government. Bacos, along with his wife, Anne-Marie Bacos, chose to remain on board with the passengers, many of whom were Iranian Jews seeking to flee the country. Over the course of the ensuing 17‑month siege, Bacos worked to maintain the safety and morale of the hostages, negotiating with the captors and providing medical assistance when needed. The hostages were released in September 1980.
After the crisis, Bacos continued to serve with Air France until his retirement. He has since been active in humanitarian and commemorative activities, speaking publicly about the events and advocating for tolerance and intercultural understanding. In 2015, Yad Vashem recognized him and his wife as Righteous Among the Nations for their self‑less actions that saved lives during the hostage situation.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Michel” is the French form of “Michael,” derived from the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Mikha'el), meaning “Who is like God?” The surname “Bacos” is of French origin; its precise etymology is not widely documented but is typical of family names found in the Île‑de‑France region.
Characteristics
- Professional Role: Commercial airline captain with extensive experience on long‑haul aircraft.
- Humanitarian Conduct: Demonstrated personal courage and a strong sense of duty by remaining with passengers during a hostile takeover, providing leadership and care under extreme stress.
- Recognition: Awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations (2015); recipient of various French honors for civil bravery.
- Public Engagement: Frequent speaker at educational and memorial events concerning the Iran hostage crisis and broader themes of religious tolerance.
Related Topics
- Iran hostage crisis (1979–1981)
- Air France Flight 291
- Righteous Among the Nations (Yad Vashem)
- French aviation history
- Humanitarian actions during conflicts
- Iranian Jewish diaspora
- International aviation security measures