From Beauty Queen to Influencer Noa Cochva’s Pro-Israel Journey

Noa Cochva, who represented Israel at Miss Universe in 2021, has emerged as a powerful voice for Israel in the digital space. Once known primarily for her modeling career, Cochva is now recognized as a leading pro-Israel influencer, using her platform to confront misinformation and defend her country.

In a recent interview, Cochva addressed the disturbing celebration by some over the assassination of U.S. conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, calling it a reflection of society’s decline. She shared that she, too, faces threats simply for expressing her views: “I’ve gotten used to seeing messages like ‘I want you dead’ and ‘Hitler was right.’ People want me dead not necessarily because they know who I am, but because they hate my opinion.”

Her journey into advocacy began shortly after Hamas’s massacre of 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023. While serving as a combat medic in the IDF reserves, a friend half-jokingly told her to use her platform as a beauty queen to promote peace. She recorded her first video from her base, setting her phone on a pile of chairs as a makeshift tripod. The video went viral, reaching millions and launching her advocacy path.

“That’s when I realized I had a very strong platform,” she explained. “I began sharing my experiences in the military. Maybe this was the reason God put me on the path to becoming Miss Universe Israel so I would have the stage to speak about Israel and my military service. My message is that Israeli women are both soldiers and beauty queens strong and feminine at the same time.”

Cochva recalls hosting the 2021 Miss Universe contestants in Israel during Chanukah, teaching them about Jewish traditions while showing them that Israel is also a leader in women’s empowerment. Years later, when war erupted, she reached out to those same contestants for support. But despite their combined millions of followers, most ignored her, and some even accused Israel of genocide.

Determined to counter lies, Cochva has used her platform to show the reality on the ground. In August, she toured the Kerem Shalom crossing, where she witnessed truckloads of humanitarian aid waiting to be delivered to Gaza. “People claim Israel is starving Palestinians, but once you set foot there you realize how outrageous those lies are. You see oil, flour, lentils, corn literally everything, even cookies.”

Her advocacy goes beyond social media. In New York’s Central Park, she staged a dramatic video by blindfolding herself and tying herself to a chair to raise awareness about the hostages in Gaza. She has also spoken directly with students who repeated false accusations against Israel. As a combat medic, she reminded them that she personally treated Palestinians in Gaza, including Hamas fighters asking them whether a country committing genocide would save enemy lives.

Cochva’s story has especially inspired Jewish youth abroad. At one Jewish school, she shared her experiences as Miss Israel, an IDF soldier, and an advocate. Months later, a father approached her at a gala to thank her his daughter had been so inspired by Cochva’s words that she decided to make aliyah and join the IDF.

For Noa Cochva, the crown she once wore was only the beginning. Today, her voice and courage are shaping the next generation of Jewish pride and commitment to Israel. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter to keep connected with more stories from Israel.