Archive · 11 Nov 2025
Israeli-Russian Researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov Recounts Brutal Torture in Iraqi Captivity
Elizabeth Tsurkov is a student and researcher who was in Iraq to study social movements.
Unfortunately, she was kidnapped by a group called Kataib Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran.
For two and a half years, she was kept in captivity and went through terrible torture, including being hung upside down and electrocuted.
Her captors initially didn't know she was Israeli, but when they found out, the torture got worse because they thought she was a spy.
Her family and the U.S. government worked hard to get her released.
After a very long time, she was finally freed and is now back in Israel, recovering and grateful to be alive.
She wants to share her story to bring attention to the suffering caused by these militias.
Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov was held captive for 2.5 years in Iraq by an Iranian-backed militia.
Tsurkov described experiencing brutal torture, including being hoisted into painful positions and electrocuted.
Her captors initially sought a $600 million ransom, and intensified torture upon discovering her Israeli identity.
Her release involved efforts from the Trump administration and U.S. officials.
Tsurkov is now recovering in Israel and intends to complete her doctoral studies and continue her research.
- Who
- Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian doctoral student and researcher
- What
- She was kidnapped, tortured, and held captive for 2.5 years by an Iranian-backed militia in Iraq before being released.
- When
- Kidnapped in March 2023; released in September [Year not specified, implied 2024 based on 'now recovering']
- Where
- Iraq, initially near Baghdad and later near the Iranian border; currently recovering in Israel.
- Why
- Initially believed to be for ransom; later accused of being a spy after her Israeli identity was discovered by her captors.
Elizabeth Tsurkov's Account
Potential Militia Perspective (Implied)
Reason for Kidnapping and Torture
Elizabeth Tsurkov's Account
Tsurkov believes she was initially kidnapped for ransom and later tortured and accused of being a spy after her Israeli identity was discovered.
Potential Militia Perspective (Implied)
The militia may have viewed Tsurkov as a legitimate target due to her Israeli nationality and research interests, potentially using her as leverage.
Involvement of Kataib Hezbollah
Elizabeth Tsurkov's Account
Tsurkov states she was held by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., citing social media statements and proximity to their suspected bases.
Potential Militia Perspective (Implied)
Kataib Hezbollah has not publicly claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, though a militia security chief's statement suggests they were aware of and concerned about demands for Tsurkov's release.
Motivation for Release
Elizabeth Tsurkov's Account
Tsurkov's release was a result of significant pressure from the Trump administration, including meetings and public demands, as well as potential warnings to Iraqi officials.
Potential Militia Perspective (Implied)
A militia security chief suggested the Iraqi government demanded Tsurkov's release to prevent potential U.S. strikes against Iraq, implying a geopolitical motive for the release.
- Name
- Elizabeth Tsurkov
- Nationality
- Israeli-Russian
- Occupation
- Doctoral student at Princeton, researcher
- Captivity Duration
- 2.5 years
- Captors
- Iranian-backed militia in Iraq, identified as Kataib Hezbollah
- Ransom Demand
- $600 million
- Release Facilitators
- Trump administration officials, U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs, Iraqi-American businessman