Elizabeth Tsurkov

'Kataib Hezbollah used me as a punching bag,' Tsurkov says in first interview since release

Tsurkov was beaten “senseless”, hung from the ceiling, and electrocuted, according to the New York Times.

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.
 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Former Kataib Hezbollah hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov issues first statement since release

ISRAELI-RUSSIAN researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, kidnapped in Iraq in March 2023, arrives in an ambulance at Sheba Medical Center after her release by the terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah, earlier this month.

Trump makes it clear that hostages are America's red line - opinion

(L-R): Adam Boehler, Stephen Miller

No. 5: Adam Boehler and Stephen Miller: White House advisers


The Middle East's 'week of chaos' may have lasting regional ramifications - analysis

So many important events happened in the past week over the past week that it is not clear how it will be remembered, but there may be several regional trends which are reshaped by the events.

Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar, September 9, 2025.

Kataib Hezbollah believes Russian-Israeli researcher Tsurkov started becoming liability as hostage

US and Iraqi officials told the Arabic source that the terrorist group was pressured by the two countries to release her.

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Netanyahu speaks to Elizabeth Tsurkov day after her release from Iraq

Tsurkov described to Netanyahu the harsh conditions of her captivity and expressed her hope for the return of all the hostages held in Gaza. 

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

After 903 days in Iraq captivity, Elizabeth Tsurkov lands in Israel

The Prime Minister's Office and Mossad welcomed her return, stating, "Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held hostage in Iraq and released last night, has landed in Israel."

An ambulance arrives at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan ahead of freed hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov's arrival for treatment on September 10, 2025.

Trump's threats freed Tsurkov, Hamas should understand this as well, US envoy Boehler tells 'Post'

In a special interview with the Post, Boehler revealed new details about the behind-the-scenes work that led to Tsurkov’s freedom.

Adam Boehler, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, speaks to the media as he and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff visit the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel May 13, 2025.

Tune into today's top stories: UNSC meet on Qatar strike, Israeli hostage returns from Iraq

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Ezra Taylor - the top stories, clear and concise.

Danny Danon, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations speaks to the press before a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the Israel and Palestinian conflict, at U.N. Headquarters in New York City, U.S., August 27, 2025.

Iraqi sources spin release of Tsurkov as preventing ‘conflict’ - analysis

Iraq appears to want to wring concessions for having freed her. It took 900 days, but authorities in Baghdad are making it seem as if they did what was expected.

 Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this year by Iranian-backed terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah.

Israel at War Day 705: What's happening in Gaza, Yemen?

UN Security Council to meet to discuss Israel's strike on Qatar • IDF demolishes homes of two terrorists in West Bank • Trump 'not thrilled' about Qatar strike

A fire ball rises from the site of a previous Israeli air strike in Sanaa, Yemen August 24, 2025.

Elizabeth Tsurkov to be returned to Israel soon after being released, source tells 'Post'

US President Donald Trump announced that Israeli-Russian citizen Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton student, was released by Kata'ib Hezbollah on Tuesday evening. 

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Trump's tariffs might up pressure on Iraq to release Elizabeth Tsurkov - analysis

Elizabeth Tsurkov has been held in Iraq for over 860 days after being kidnapped by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia. US tariffs aim to secure her freedom.

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he arrives at the White House in Washington, DC, US, July 13, 2025.

Reports of deal to release Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov 'false,' official tells 'Post'

According to the proposed deal, Tsurkov's release would be in exchange for the release of an Iranian detainee in Iraq along with six other individuals.

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.