Released hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov: ‘Nothing prepares you for horror’ of torture in captivity

"They would hang me by my wrists, and start beating me with a stick and using even harsher methods of torture and saying, 'I want something new,'" said Tsurkov.

Russian-Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held hostage by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq, returns to Israel, September 11, 2025.

Russian-Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held hostage by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq, returns to Israel, September 11, 2025.

(photo credit: YUVAL YOSEF/GPO)

ByLEO FEIERBERG BETTER

DECEMBER 3, 2025 15:10

Updated: DECEMBER 3, 2025 17:33