Noa Cochva, the 2021 Miss Israel and a combat medic, was physically assaulted during a pro-Hamas rally in Times Square, New York City. The incident occurred on March 30 when Cochva, who had been in New York for advocacy work on behalf of Israel, found herself amidst a large Palestinian support demonstration. Recognized by protesters after they saw her waving an Israeli flag, Cochva was attacked, resulting in a black eye—her first ever.
The assault happened when a protester used the butt of a placard to hit Cochva in the face. Despite the presence of police at the scene, immediate action was not taken against the assailant, leading Cochva to initially feel let down by the lack of response. However, she later decided to press charges on April 10. The NYPD has confirmed the incident but noted that no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
Cochva, apart from her duties as a beauty queen, serves as a medic just outside Gaza, treating wounded soldiers and even Hamas terrorists, adhering to her oath to save lives regardless of the person’s affiliations. Her time in New York was marked not only by this violent incident but also by her efforts to correct misconceptions spread by what she perceives as Hamas-sympathetic media narratives in the U.S.
This incident highlights the intense emotions and conflicts connected to the Israeli-Palestinian issue, extending its influence into international arenas such as New York City, where global diaspora and political opinions frequently intersect.