Talk Radio 570 KVI | April 22, 2026
A Jewish event in downtown Seattle featuring former IDF medic and Miss Israel Noa Cochva drew terror-supporting activists who blocked and assaulted attendees outside the venue, resulting in three arrests.
Cochva spoke at the event, hosted by StandWithUs Northwest, despite attempts by the radicals to disrupt the evening.
The following day, Cochva joined The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI, where she described the demonstration as one of the most intense she has experienced while speaking in the United States.
“They always message me saying, ‘we don’t want you in our city,’ but they don’t usually act,” Cochva said. “This time, they actually did something.”
50 Seattle Police officers responded to the scene as protesters gathered outside the venue. Three individuals were arrested during the incident but were later released.
Cochva also reflected on the intensity of the Seattle protest compared to past experiences, noting that while activists often attempt to disrupt her appearances online, fewer typically show up in person. “This was one of the worst ones,” she said, recalling how demonstrators have previously followed her to speaking engagements, including a protest outside a synagogue in San Francisco.
Inside vs. Outside the Event
Despite the disruption, the event itself proceeded successfully, drawing more than 300 attendees.
“The event was beautiful. It was meaningful,” Cochva said. “People came to listen, to learn.”
Outside, however, protesters shouted slurs and accusations — including calling Cochva a “baby killer,” a claim she strongly rejected.
“I Treated Everyone — Even the Enemy”
During the interview, Cochva emphasized that much of the outrage directed at her is rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of her role in the military. “When you become a combat medic, you take an oath… I’m going to treat every person, no matter if it’s my loved one or if it’s my enemy,” she said, underscoring that medical personnel in the IDF are required to provide care universally. Pushing back on accusations shouted by protesters outside the event, she added, “Combat medics actually treated terrorists… treated Palestinians… and they give them medical care,” calling the claims against her “absurd.”
She explained that during her service, medics treated Palestinians and others regardless of background, emphasizing what she called the IDF’s core value: preserving human life.
Organizers: Rise in Antisemitism
Randy Kessler, director of StandWithUs Northwest, said the protest reflects a broader trend of escalating antisemitism and hostility toward pro-Israel voices.
“We’ve seen open hatred — not just toward Israel, but toward Jews,” Kessler said.
He noted that the organization is nonpartisan and welcomes a wide range of viewpoints but said recent demonstrations increasingly cross the line into intimidation.
“Violence is never the answer,” Kessler added.
Those interested in supporting StandWithUs Northwest can donate at web-staging.standwithus.com/donate
