Noa Cochva: Israeli beauty queen who served as battlefield medic assaulted during pro-Hamas protest in Times Square

TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK: Noah Cochva, who was crowned Miss Israel in 2021 and has been serving on the front lines of the Israel-Hamas conflict since the October 7 massacre, was assaulted during a recent pro-Hamas protest in Times Square, as per New York Post.

Video footage showed the beauty queen being hit in the face with the butt of a protest placard during a rally on March 30.

Miss Israel Noa Cochva describes assault on Times Square

Noa Cochva, adorned with a tiara, previously served as a battlefield medic and later became an instructor and commander in the IDF.

During the Times Square rally, Cochva, 25, was assaulted by a Hamas supporter, as seen in a photo she provided.

She had been in New York City for several weeks, engaging in speaking engagements and advocacy for Israel. On that day, she was joined by fellow Israel advocates in Times Square, who had also gathered to demonstrate.

Cochva claimed, “We just saw a huge pro-Palestinian rally, and we wanted to go and do our own thing . . . And then they recognized us when they saw our flag and they threw down our flag . . . and they came down and one of the guys hit me.”

“I had a black eye, I have never had a black eye before,” she said.

Cochva, who works as a combat medic in her country, was treated in an ambulance after the attack.

She mentioned that the police at the scene told her, "We can't do anything."

She added, “I feel like if you’re a police officer, and you see a woman get hit in the face, you should probably find the guy because that’s your job.”

Initially choosing not to pursue the matter, she opted to file charges on April 10.

Though they earlier stated they had no record, the NYPD later verified the incident's specifics to The New York Post. They noted no arrests had been made yet, and the investigation was still ongoing.

Cochva participated in the 2021 Miss Universe pageant, hosted in Eilat, Israel.

When she's not engaging in ceremonial duties, she dedicates her time to serving as a medic near Gaza, tending to injured soldiers.

Before the tragic event on October 7 that claimed the lives of several Israeli civilians, Cochva, who underwent medic training during her mandatory military service at age 18, was pursuing studies to become a pastry chef.

She asserts to have provided medical care to numerous IDF soldiers since the conflict began.

She added, “When you’re talking with soldiers . . . there’s stages that you have to go through to help them to come back to life because their mind is still in Gaza.” 

She has also treated Hamas terrorists.

She claimed, “As a combat medic, you take an oath to swear to save every person’s life, no matter if he’s an enemy or a loved one.”

There have been uplifting moments during her service as well. Occasionally, wounded soldiers, under the influence of pain medication, have experienced a bright moment when they realize they are being treated by a certified beauty queen.

Cochva recounted an incident with a soldier, noting, “We have a lot of funny comments.”

She added, “I was treating him. I remember after opening his eyes, he was like, ‘Did I die and go to heaven? Because you’re an angel.'”

Cochva asserted, “There’s so many things that I’m hearing about people saying there wasn’t any rape … people saying there is no proof.”

Cochva added, “I don’t understand how in 2024 after the ‘MeToo’ movement that people can actually say that they don’t believe women.”

Internet shocked by assault on beauty queen

Meanwhile, several decried the attack on Cochva on the Internet.

One questioned, "“Police on the scene told the beauty queen “we can’t do anything,” she said.” I know we just accept this now and I’ve lost knowledge of the reasoning given, but why exactly can’t NYC police (in this case) enforce the law against assault? Does NYC just allow certain privileged groups to do whatever they want, including violent assault and menacing? How did the pro-Palestinian people get this license?"

Another user added, "Get well soon.  It just  never  stops.   It just never stops."

A third claimed, "With surveillance cameras and cell phones these days it’s much easier to identify suspects. The cops need to stop using the old can’t ID to avoid writing a crime report."

Someone else added, "This problem is getting worse by the day! Why won't some brave politician stand up & tell the truth about this hate crime? Protect the citizens of NYC, for God's sake! They are the taxpayers & voters...."

A fifth noted, "These cowards that hit women peacefully supporting ISRAEL are deserving of a significantly ramped up response on the quick...:"

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online