After nearly three years in brutal captivity, Israeli-Russian scholar Elizabeth Tsurkov has been freed from Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq — with Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani all claiming credit for the high-stakes rescue.
In a stunning development, US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli-Russian researcher abducted in Iraq in March 2023, has been freed after enduring months of torture at the hands of Kata’ib Hezbollah.
Posting on his Truth Social account, Trump declared:
“I am pleased to report that Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton student, whose sister is an American citizen, was just released by Kata’ib Hezbollah and is now safely in the American Embassy in Iraq after being tortured for many months. I will always fight for JUSTICE, and never give up. HAMAS, RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, NOW!”
Netanyahu: ‘All Israel celebrates her return’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the rescue, praising the painstaking efforts of Gal Hirsch, Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons, who led the mission:
“After many long months and great efforts, we succeeded in bringing about her release. Tonight, I spoke with Elizabeth’s sisters, Emma and Avital, and told them all of Israel rejoices in her return. We will continue to fight with vigor and determination until every hostage is home — living or dead.”
Baghdad Takes Credit Too
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also claimed responsibility, framing the release as a victory for Iraqi sovereignty:
“This is the culmination of extensive efforts by our security services. We will not tolerate any compromise in enforcing the law or allow anyone to tarnish Iraq’s reputation.”
Family’s Joy After 903 Days of Anguish
Elizabeth’s sister, Emma Tsurkov, posted on X:
“My entire family is incredibly happy. We cannot wait to hug Elizabeth after 903 days. We thank President Trump and his envoy Adam Boehler, Josh Harris and the US Embassy team in Baghdad, and Global Reach for fighting for Elizabeth’s safe return.”
The Long Captivity
Tsurkov, a doctoral student at Princeton and fellow at the New Lines Institute, vanished in Baghdad in March 2023. By July of that year, Israeli officials confirmed she was being held by Kata’ib Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed Shiite militia. Earlier this year, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed she was alive, fueling hopes of her eventual release.
Reports suggest her freedom may have been linked to a prisoner exchange involving eight Hezbollah terrorists — though officials have not confirmed the deal.
