Israeli-Russian Scholar Elizabeth Tsurkov Returns Home After 2-Year Kidnapping Ordeal in Iraq
Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli-Russian doctoral student kidnapped in Iraq back in March 2023, is finally back in Israel. She landed safely on Wednesday night after her release the day before, thanks to efforts by Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.
Tsurkov, a 37-year-old researcher at Princeton University, disappeared while doing fieldwork in Baghdad’s Karrada neighborhood. Israeli officials later revealed that the Shi’ite militant group Kataib Hezbollah, backed by Iran, had abducted her. She holds dual citizenship in Israel and Russia and had entered Iraq using her Russian passport.
Mossad shared the good news, explaining how she went to the US embassy in Baghdad right after her Tuesday release. From there, Cypriot intelligence helped with a smooth "humanitarian transfer" via Cyprus to Israel. Mossad chief David Barnea gave a big shoutout to Cyprus for their support in bringing her home.
Israeli media reports say Tsurkov reunited with her family at Ben Gurion Airport. She’s now getting medical checks at Sheba Hospital near Tel Aviv. Her sister, Emma Tsurkov, posted on X (formerly Twitter): "My entire family is incredibly happy." State broadcaster Kan added that no prisoners were swapped or concessions made for her freedom.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the release on X, praising his country’s security teams for their "extensive efforts." He stressed Iraq’s zero tolerance for law-breaking and promised to uphold state authority.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also chimed in, crediting coordinator Gal Hirsch and a team effort for the success. "After great efforts, we succeeded in bringing about her release," he said.
The story took a twist in November 2023 when Iraqi TV aired a video of Tsurkov claiming ties to Mossad and the CIA. Her family quickly dismissed it as forced statements under duress. Details on the negotiations remain under wraps, but reports from January 2024 hinted at talks between the US and Iraq to secure her freedom.
Tsurkov’s safe return marks a happy ending to a tense two-year saga, highlighting the challenges of fieldwork in conflict zones like Iraq.
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