Princeton Student Freed After 903 Days Held Hostage in Iraq

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When 36-year-old Princeton University graduate student Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq in March 2023 and held for ransom by a militia group, it set off a grueling 903-day fight her sister Emma never expected. Emma lobbied governments, staged protests, and even crashed a Mother's Day brunch to get the attention of a special envoy, ultimately securing Elizabeth's release in September 2025.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges families face when a loved one is taken hostage abroad, and the need for governments to prioritize the safe return of their citizens. It also underscores the risks faced by researchers conducting fieldwork in conflict zones.

The details

Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian dual citizen and Princeton PhD student, was abducted off the street in Iraq in March 2023 by members of Kata'ib Hezbollah, a terrorist group funded by Iran. Her sister Emma, also an academic, launched a relentless campaign to secure Elizabeth's release, reaching out to Russian and Israeli authorities, lobbying U.S. officials, and even confronting the Iraqi prime minister. After 903 days in captivity, Elizabeth was finally freed in September 2025 with the help of a special U.S. envoy.

• Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in March 2023.
• In late 2023 and 2024, Emma Tsurkov continued to lobby U.S. State Department officials.
• In April 2024, Emma confronted the Iraqi prime minister during his visit to Washington.
• In November 2024, Emma connected with special envoy Adam Boehler, who helped secure Elizabeth's release.
• Elizabeth Tsurkov was freed and returned to the U.S. on September 9, 2025.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Elizabeth Tsurkov is currently undergoing rehabilitation for the injuries she sustained during her captivity and plans to return to her studies at Princeton.