Iraq working to release kidnapped Israeli researcher Tsurkov: FM

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, January 23, 2025. Photo: CC/World Economic Forum WEF/via iKurd.net

BAGHDAD,—Iraqi officials confirmed Thursday that Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian researcher abducted nearly two years ago by an Iraqi Shiite militia, is still alive, and efforts are ongoing to secure her release.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein shared the news during an interview with an Axios reporter at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, stating that Tsurkov is alive and being held hostage. Hussein also mentioned that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani is actively working to facilitate her release, according to Reuters.

Tsurkov, 39, was taken by Shiite militants in Baghdad in March 2023, shortly after arriving in Iraq to conduct research for her dissertation. A dual Israeli-Russian citizen, she used her Russian passport to enter Iraq, as Israeli nationals are banned from traveling to the country, according to the Israeli government.

In July 2023, the Israeli government confirmed that Tsurkov was being kidnapped by Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Shia militia group with links to both the Iraqi government and Iran. Kataib Hezbollah is also designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.

The only confirmed evidence of Tsurkov’s fate came in November 2023, when the militia released a video showing her alive. This proof-of-life video remains the sole indication of her well-being.

Emma Tsurkov, Elizabeth’s sister, expressed relief that the Iraqi government had publicly acknowledged that her sibling was alive but voiced frustration with the lack of progress in securing her release.

“We are glad to see the Iraqi government admit what we already know: Elizabeth is alive and being held hostage in Iraq by militias linked to the Iraqi prime minister,” Emma said, according to VOA.

Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov kidnapped in Iraq in March 2023. Photo: Tsukov’s FB

At the same time, she criticized the government’s repeated promises without substantial action. Last year, she and two other siblings launched a campaign in Washington during Sudani’s official visit to the U.S. Emma interrupted Sudani during a panel hosted by the Atlantic Council, demanding more action on her sister’s case. In response, Sudani assured that a task force had been established to investigate and pursue Tsurkov’s release.

The U.S. State Department confirmed that President Joe Biden raised Tsurkov’s case during a meeting with Prime Minister Sudani at the White House.

Emma Tsurkov also noted that her family is hopeful about the involvement of Adam Boehler, who has been nominated as the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.

Boehler must first be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. “We are confident that the Trump administration will hold the Iraqi government accountable and make Elizabeth’s safe return a priority, unlike the previous administration,” Emma said.

(With files from VOA News)