In this powerful episode of “Here I Am,” host Shai Davidai sits down with Noa Cochva—Miss Israel 2021, IDF combat medic, and advocate. Noa shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a small Israeli village to serving as a combat medic and instructor in the IDF, including her experiences on the Gaza border during the war. She opens up about the challenges of treating both soldiers and civilians, the ethical dilemmas faced by medics, and the emotional toll of war.

Noa also discusses her unexpected path to becoming Miss Israel, the viral advocacy videos she created during her reserve duty, and the impact of both support and hate she’s received online. She reflects on her family’s Holocaust legacy, her evolving Jewish identity, and her mission to inspire and unite Jewish communities worldwide. This episode is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of using one’s voice for good.

This season is dedicated to Shai’s grandmother, Leah Davidai, who passed away earlier this year. Sponsored in part by Iron Dome Coffee, visit www.irondomecoffee.com and use the code HERE I AM for an exclusive discount just for our listeners.

Guest: Noa Cochva

Consider DONATING to help us continue and expand our media efforts. If you cannot at this time, please share this video with someone who might benefit from it. We thank you for your support!

COMING SOON BUY MERCH!

SUPPORT SHAI ON PATREON!

https://www.patreon.com/shaidavidai/about?utm_source=campaign-search-results

🔔 Subscribe now and never miss an episode

📢 Follow us on social media:

Instagram: hereiamwithshaidavidai

Tik Tok: hereiamwithshaidavidai / hereiamwithshaidavidai

🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform:

RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/hereiamwithshaidavidai/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-i-am-with-shai-davidai/id1757483524

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6pI03BMwAuQDbYIy4Zp6ah?si=2bd1c3f8a11c46cd

#HereIAm #NoaCochva #ShaiDavidai #MissIsrael #IDF #CombatMedic #WomenInTheMilitary #JewishPride #Israel #GazaWar #HolocaustSurvivor #JewishIdentity #WomenEmpowerment #Advocacy #JewishCommunity #Resilience #Courage #Peace #Coexistence #AntiSemitism #JewishHeritage #Inspiration #Podcast #JewishVoices #SupportIsrael #WomenLeaders #JewishWomen #Humanitarian #TikkunOlam #JewishUnity #JewishHistory

Credits:

Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller

Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions

Graphic by Shira Auman

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]