(JTA) — An Israeli-Russian Princeton University graduate student who was kidnapped in Iraq in two and a half years ago while conducting research returned to Israel on Wednesday.
Elizabeth Tsurkov, 38, was taken hostage in Baghdad on March 21, 2023, while doing research for her doctorate about sectarianism in the region.
Tsurkov, 38, was released to the U.S. embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday after 903 days in captivity. She was reunited with her family on Wednesday at Sheba Hospital in Ramat Gan where she will undergo an extensive evaluation and rehabilitation process similar to that devised for the Israeli hostages who have been released from Gaza.
Video of her arrival showed Tsurkov struggling to take steps as she was supported on either side. But she smiled and hugged loved ones.
In July 2023, the Israeli government announced that she was being held by Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Iraqi Shia militia that is backed by Iran. Separate from the Hezbollah that is based in Lebanon, it was designated by the United States as a terrorist organization in 2009.
Tsurkov’s sister Emma, a U.S. citizen and director of quantitiative research for the Anti-Defamation League, cheered her release and credited Adam Boehler, Trump’s hostage envoy who has also negotiated the release of hostages in Gaza, Russia and elsewhere since beginning his work earlier this year.
“We are thrilled for Elizabeth’s family and especially her sister Emma Tsurkov, our ADL colleague, who fought tirelessly for her release and thank the Administration for all they did to secure her release,” the ADL wrote in a Facebook post. “What a relief to know Elizabeth is free at last.”
Two Iraqi militia officials, who spoke to the Associated Press anonymously, confirmed that Tsurkov’s release came about as a result of negotiations and not through a military operation to free her. It was not immediately clear what, if anything, Kataib Hezbollah had received in return for her release.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that Tsurkov had been “tortured for many months” and used her release as an occasion to pressure Hamas, which is holding 48 Israeli hostages in Gaza, to free the captives it holds.
“I will always fight for JUSTICE, and never give up.” Trump wrote. “HAMAS, RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, NOW!”
Tsurkov’s mother, Irina, told Army Radio that she felt “crazy joy, happiness” and “hopes all the families of our hostages get the same news.” She thanked Trump for his efforts.