Elizabeth’s Story In The Media
After two years in captivity in Iraq, Elizabeth Tsurkov's family demand her release — The New arab, 3/25/25
The family of Russian-Israeli hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov, held captive in Iraq for two years, have joined with a US senator to call for her release.
Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) issued the following joint statement:
“As champions of human rights and freedom, as well as those wrongfully detained and held hostage all over the world, we call for the immediate and safe release of Elizabeth Tsurkov.”
The family of the Russian-Israeli Princeton researcher held hostage by an Iraqi terror group criticized the Iraqi government's lack of action. NJ Senator Andy Kim also spoke, imploring Trump's administration to prove Tsukov's release is top priority.
It’s been two years since Princeton University student Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq. On Monday, Sen. Andy Kim and her sister Emma Tsurkov held a press conference calling on the Trump administration to secure her release.
Negotiations for hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov's release expected to begin, sources tell 'Post' — The Jerusalem Post, 3/12/25
Tsurkov was kidnapped in March 2023 in Baghdad by Kata'ib Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian Iraqi terrorist organization, and is believed to still be in Iraq.
US hostage envoy Boehler visited Iraq last month to push for release of Israeli-Russian Elizabeth Tsurkov— The Times Of Israel 3/11/25
US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler traveled to Iraq last month to push for the release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was kidnapped in Iraq nearly two years ago, three sources familiar with the matter say.
US threatens 'consequences' for Iraq over Elizabeth Tsurkov captivity — The New Arab, 3/11/25
The US has formally asked Iraq to secure the release of kidnapped Israeli academic Elizabeth Tsurkov, threatening political and economic consequences if she is not freed, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported on Monday.
US reportedly threatens Iraq if it doesn’t get kidnapped Russian-Israeli academic Elizabeth Tsurkov freed — The Times Of Israel, 3/10/25
Citing two Iraqi officials in Baghdad, the Al-Araby Al-Jadeed outlet says that Washington asked Iraq’s prime minister to bring about the release of kidnapped Russian-Israeli academic Elizabeth Tsurkov.
Trump pushes Iraq to release Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov — The Jerusalem Post, 3/10/25
The US urged Iraq to secure the release of Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov, warning of political and economic consequences if she remains captive, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
Trump administration warns Iraq: Free Israeli researcher or 'face consequences' — Ynet News, 3/10/25
Officials say US envoy conveyed direct messages to Iraqi PM, making it clear Baghdad bears full responsibility for securing Elizabeth Tsurkov’s release.
US reportedly warns Iraq of consequences if it doesn’t ensure kidnapped Israeli freed — The Times Of Israel, 3/10/25
Trump envoy Adam Boehler tells Iraqi PM there will be political, economic repercussions if academic Elizabeth Tsurkov remains captive, Qatari paper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reports
Tsurkov Family Has Renewed Hope Two Years After Ph.D. Student’s Kidnapping — Princeton Alumni Weekly, 3/6/25
It’s been two years since Princeton Ph.D. student Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped by a militia group in Baghdad, but her sister, Emma, has never been more hopeful.
Iraq says it’s working to find kidnapped Israeli-Russian academic — The Times Of Israel, 3/5/25
Following US pressure, Iraqi security official says government is trying ‘discreetly’ to locate Elizabeth Tsurkov, believed to have been held by terrorists since 2023
Cruz slams Iraq over Tsurkov kidnapping, pledges action under Trump — Israel National News, 2/27/25
Senator Ted Cruz says the Iraqi government is complicit in the kidnapping of Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov: This will end under President Donald Trump and the GOP Congress.
Iraq must return Israeli hostage Elizabeth Tzurkov or else, US hostage envoy warns — The Jerusalem Post, 2/5/25
"If Elizabeth Tsurkov does not come home NOW, then the Iraqi Prime Minister is either incapable and should be fired or, worse, complicit," Boehler said.
Russian-Israeli Princeton doctoral student still held hostage in Iraq — Committee Of Concerned Scientists, 2/2/25
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We are writing once again in regard to Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Russian-Israeli doctoral student at Princeton University who has been held hostage in Iraq for two years.
Iraqi militias eager for three-way hostage exchange for Israeli-Russian Elizabeth Tsurkov - report — The Jerusalem Post, 2/1/25
Elizabeth Tsurkov disappeared in March 2023, with Kataib Hezbollah, an organization closely associated with Iran, being blamed for the kidnapping.
The Jewish hostage nobody is talking enough about — Forward 1/31/25
Elizabeth Tsurkov has spent 682 days in captivity in Iraq. For her sister, Emma, watching the Gaza hostages go free brings a special kind of joy — and pain
(read more)
Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov has been held by an Iraqi Shiite militia since March 2023. Israel is reportedly considering a three-way prisoner swap in which Tsurkov will be released for detained Hezbollah militants and a Lebanese marine captain.
Israel moves closer to prisoner swap for researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov — Shafaq News 1/31/25
Shafaq News/ Israel is nearing a prisoner exchange deal to secure the release of Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov in exchange for Hezbollah prisoners held by Israel during the recent war in Lebanon.
After two years that Elizabeth Tsurkov was held hostage by an Iraqi militia backed by Iran, a new proposal could see her released in exchange for several Hezbollah terrorists captured by Israel during the fighting in Lebanon, according to the Britain-based news outlet Amwaj Media.
Report: Israeli woman kidnapped in Iraq to be exchanged for Hezbollah terrorists — Israel National News 1/31/25
Israeli citizen Elizabeth Tsurkov will reportedly be exchanged for 8 Hezbollah terrorists 2 years after she was kidnapped in Iraq.
Terror group seeks Hezbollah prisoner swap for Elizabeth Tsurkov — Israel National News, 1/31/25
Iraqi and Lebanese sources say Kata’ib Hezbollah offers Israel to release terror group operatives and ship captain for Israeli researcher's return two years after her abduction
Kidnapped graduate student Elizabeth Tsurkov is still alive, Iraqi Foreign Minister says — The Daily Princetonian 1/27/25
Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Princeton graduate student who was kidnapped in Baghdad in March 2023 while doing dissertation research, is alive, the Iraqi Foreign Minister told a reporter from Axios on Jan. 23. The reporter, Barak Ravid, posted on X that Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said the Iraqi prime minister is “working on her release.”
Russian-Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov 'still alive' in Iraqi captivity — The New Arab 1/24/25
Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped by a suspected Iraqi militia while in Baghdad, with hopes that the Russian-Israeli researcher could be freed, the govt has said.
Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian researcher who is being held hostage by an Iraqi militia, is alive and Iraq’s prime minister is working to secure her release, according to what an Israeli journalist on Thursday said that Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told him.
Iraq confirms Israeli hostage is alive, release expected soon — Middle East Monitor 1/24/25
Iraq’s Foreign Minister informed the US-based Axios news outlet that Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli national who was kidnapped in the country nearly two years ago on espionage charges, is alive. He added that Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani is actively working to secure her release.
L'otage israélo-russe Elizabeth Tsurkov est en vie, et l'Irak affirme œuvrer pour sa libération— L’Orient-Le Jour 1/24/25
La chercheuse israélo-russe de Princeton, Elizabeth Tsurkov, retenue en otage par une milice irakienne, est en vie, et l'Irak travaille à sa libération, a déclaré jeudi le ministre irakien des Affaires étrangères, Fouad Hussein, au journaliste du site Axios, Barak Ravid.
Iraqi FM says Israeli researcher held hostage is alive, efforts ongoing to free her — The Times Of Israel 1/23/25
Russian-Israeli academic Elizabeth Tsurkov is believed to be held by Iran-backed militia Kataeb Hezbollah since 2023 abduction; hostage envoys met with her family this month.
Iraqi's foreign minister announced that the government in Baghdad is working to release the researcher, who was kidnapped two years ago by a pro-Iranian militia; New push comes with Israel increasing efforts to free her in the background, and optimism in the shadow of Trump's return to the White House and the hostage deal with Hamas
Israeli-Russian Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who is being held hostage by an Iraqi militia, is alive and the Iraqi prime minister is working on her release, Iraqi foreign minister Fouad Hussein told Axios reporter Barak Ravid on Thursday.
Israel Engages Allies to Secure Release of Elizabeth Tsurkov from Iraq — Oneindia 1/10/25
An Israeli-Russian researcher, Elizabeth Tsurkov, is believed to have been kidnapped in Iraq nearly two years ago. The Israeli government is now collaborating with allies to secure her release. This week, special envoys for hostage affairs gathered in Jerusalem to discuss the situation. They met with Tsurkov's family and urged representatives from the US, UK, Germany, Austria, and Canada to engage their embassies in Baghdad to lobby the Iraqi government for negotiations.
Family of Russian-Israeli hostage in Iraq meets with mediators — Cleveland Jewish News 1/9/25
The family of Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov, who has been held captive in Iraq by Iranian-backed Shi’ite militia Kata’ib Hezbollah since 2023, met with senior Israeli officials and international mediators on Wednesday in a bid to secure her release, Israel Hayom reported.
A senior Israeli official says the government is working with allies in a renewed push to win the freedom of an Israeli-Russian researcher who is believed to have been kidnapped in Iraq nearly two years ago.
The official said Thursday that the matter was raised in a meeting of special envoys for hostage affairs in Jerusalem this week.
Israel Intensifies Efforts To Free Researcher Abducted in Iraq — The Media Line 1/9/25
Israel is ramping up diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Russian Israeli researcher and Princeton University doctoral student who was abducted in Baghdad on March 26, 2023. Meetings held this week in Israel included Brig. Gen. (ret.) Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for hostages and missing persons, Tsurkov’s family, and international mediators from Europe and the US, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
Western officials push for release of Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, held in Iraq — The New Arab 1/7/25
A Western diplomatic team and local Iraqi parties are in "continuous contact" to secure the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Russian-Israeli researcher kidnapped in Iraq in 2023, according to a report in Arabic media.
Israel makes contacts in Iraq to release kidnapped Israeli — i24 News 1/5/25
The Emirati newspaper Erem News said on Sunday that a Western diplomatic team and local Iraqi parties are in continuous contact to find a solution to the Elizabeth Tzurkov's case, an Israeli kidnapped last year in Iraq.
Sister demands release of Israeli-Russian researcher kidnapped in Iraq — Y Net News 12/14/24
Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov has been held by a Shiite militia since March 2023; her US-based sister, leading the fight for her release, shares about her frustration with US tax dollars going to her sisters' kidnappers, the hierarchy vs. Gaza hostages, hopes for Trump and years without sleep
Sister of kidnapped Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov says US and Iraq can secure her — Al-Monitor 4/18/24
As U.S. President Joe Biden was hosting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Monday, a group of demonstrators held a protest outside the White House, demanding the release of a Princeton doctoral candidate kidnapped in Iraq a little over a year ago.
My tax dollars — and yours — are helping hold my sister hostage — Forward 4/15/24
When I learned that Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani would be visiting the White House today, hot rage washed over me. A year ago, it would have been a meaningless news nugget. But now it is an affront, a reminder of the absurd horror that my own tax dollars are helping fund the monsters holding my sister hostage.
Family of Elizabeth Tsurkov lobbies U. for White House action ahead of Iraqi PM state visit — The Daily Princetonian 4/4/24
As President Joe Biden is set to welcome Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’a Al-Sudani to the White House on April 15, the family of graduate student Elizabeth Tsurkov has called on the Biden administration to designate Iraq as a state sponsor of terror for allegedly failing to work for her release from captivity. Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq in March 2023 by Iran-backed Shiite militia Kataib Hezbollah.
Sister of kidnapped Russian Israeli Princeton academic urges Biden admit to pressure Iraq — Jewish Insider 4/1/24
The sister of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Russian-Israeli doctoral student at Princeton University who was kidnapped a year ago in Iraq by an Iranian-backed militia group, is urging the Biden administration to pressure the Iraqi government to secure Tsurkov’s release.
One Year Since the Kidnapping of Elizabeth Tsurkov — Lawfare 3/25/24
One year ago, Elizabeth Tsurkov, a graduate student at Princeton University, was abducted by the terrorist organization Kata'ib Hezbollah in Baghdad, where she was doing fieldwork. Since that day, her sister, Emma Tsurkov, has been campaigning for and seeking her release.
One Year Anniversary of the Kidnapping of Elizabeth Tsurkov (Motion by 28 UK Parliament Members) — UK Parliament 3/21/24
That this House notes that today marks the one year anniversary of the kidnapping of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a dual Russian-Israeli national, who is being held hostage in Iraq by the militant group Kata'ib Hezbollah; expresses dismay at her kidnapping and calls for her immediate release; extends solidarity to her family as they campaign for her safe release; further notes that the Iraqi Government has opened an investigation last year into the kidnapping and expresses hope that this will now move swiftly and without undue delay; notes that the Popular Mobilisation Force (PMF) consisting of Kata'ib Hezbollah and other militant groups is funded by the Iraqi government; expresses concern at the potential risk of UK Government funding to Iraq benefiting the PMF; urges the UK Government to ensure robust procedures are in place to ensure that funding is not rediverted to these groups; and further urges the UK Government to use all diplomatic pressure and tools at its disposal to secure the release of Ms Tsurkov.
New Video Could Help Bring Kidnapped Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Home — Princeton Alumni Weekly 11/15/23
After a video purportedly showing kidnapped Princeton doctoral student Elizabeth Tsurkov appeared on an Iraqi television station earlier this week, her family told PAW via email that “it is great news to see this confirmation of her being alive.”
Iraqi TV shows video of kidnapped Israeli-Russian Elizabeth Tsurkov — The Guardian 11/13/23
An Iraqi network has broadcast a video showing a kidnapped Israeli-Russian academic, in the first sign of life from Elizabeth Tsurkov since her abduction in Baghdad nearly nine months ago.
Israeli authorities revealed in July that Tsurkov had been kidnapped, blaming pro-Iranian militants after she had gone missing in Iraq in late March.
Princeton Admits Student Was Abducted During Research Trip — The Daily Beast 10/3/23
Princeton University has finally admitted that Elizabeth Tsurkov, a graduate student who went missing in Iraq six months ago, was in the country conducting research for her dissertation at the time of her suspected kidnapping. The acknowledgment comes five days after The Daily Beast published a report in which the Ivy League institution was accused of breaking multiple promises to the family of the student, who is believed to have been kidnapped by an Iran-backed militia in Baghdad. Emails reviewed by The Daily Beast showed that Tsurkov’s sister had repeatedly urged the school to publicly acknowledge that Elizabeth’s research in Iraq had been approved by Princeton at the time of her abduction. After failing to deliver on that request for months, the university told the Princeton Alumni Weekly on Tuesday that “Elizabeth was kidnapped while enrolled at the University and was in Iraq conducting research related to her approved Ph.D. dissertation topic.”
Princeton Acknowledges Kidnapped Grad Student Was in Iraq for Research — Princeton Alumni Weekly 10/3/23
For the first time since Princeton doctoral candidate Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq more than six months ago, the University has acknowledged that she was in the country for research related to her dissertation.
The United States should use its influence to help win the freedom of a Russian-Israeli academic at Princeton University who went missing in Iraq nearly six months ago and is believed to be held by an Iran-backed militia regarded by Washington as a terrorist group, her sister said Wednesday.
Free Elizabeth Tsurkov! — The New York Review 4/17/23
In late March the Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, a doctoral student at Princeton University and a contributor to the Review, was kidnapped in Baghdad by an Iraqi Shiite militia close to the Iranian regime.
Explainer | Who Is Kidnapped Researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov? — Moment 7/21/23
Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was kidnapped from a cafe in Iraq several months ago, is being held by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shiite militia in Iraq, Israel’s government confirmed on July 5. A doctoral student at Princeton University, Tsurkov has been held by the insurgent group since March.
My Brave, Brilliant Friends was kidnapped in Iraq — The New York Times 7/16/23
It’s a beautiful summer day at my in-laws’ house in Los Angeles. The sun is out. My kids are playing on the grass with their grandparents, a rare treat since we live in Jerusalem. But I can’t enjoy it. One of my oldest friends, Liza — Elizabeth Tsurkov — is being held by a militia in Iraq, and I’m terrified.
Advocating for Evan Gershkovich & Elizabeth Tsurkov — Jewish Federation of Greater Washington 7/14/23
I have often written about how critical building community is for our collective future. It binds us together and enables us to overcome challenges in Greater Washington, in Israel, and around the world. One of the responsibilities of a community is to care for and support the many individuals who are part of it. We do this locally and globally together with our many partner organizations. There are also times when we must elevate specific issues and support individual people directly.
PU Grad Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Kidnapped by Shiite Militants in Iraq — Town Topics 7/12/23
It’s a beautiful summer day at my in-laws’ house in Los Angeles. The sun is out. My kids are playing on the grass with their grandparents Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University graduate student who is an Israeli-Russian dual citizen, has been missing in Iraq for several months and is being held by the Iran-backed Shiite militia Kataib Hezbollah, according to an announcement last Wednesday from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Israel says Elizabeth Tsurkov, Russian-Israeli Middle East analyst, is being held by Shiite militia in Iraq — Jewish Journal of Greater Boston 7/6/23
Elizabeth Tsurkov, an expert on refugees and a Middle East analyst who has Russian and Israeli citizenship, has been held for months by a Shiite militia in Iraq, according to the Israeli government.
“Elizabeth Tsurkov is an Israeli-Russian dual citizen who has been missing in Iraq for several months and is being held by the Shiite militia Kataib Hezbollah,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Wednesday in a statement. “Elizabeth Tsurkov is still alive and we hold Iraq responsible for her safety and well-being.”
Israeli Woman Held for Months in Iraq by Shiite Militia Linked to Iran — The New York Times 7/5/23
An Israeli researcher missing for months in Iraq is being held by a Shiite militia, according to a statement from the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.