Reports have emerged that Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University doctoral student, has been abducted in Iraq while conducting her research in the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Tsurkov, a 36-year-old Israeli national, is being held captive by the Kata’ib Hezbollah, an Iraqi Shia militant group as described by the National Counterterrorism Center. Tsurkov had traveled to Iraq using her Russian passport to carry out field research for her doctoral dissertation.
In his statement, Netanyahu confirmed that Tsurkov is alive and urged Iraq to take responsibility for her safety. He emphasized that Israel is actively working to ensure her security and well-being, with the relevant authorities in the country handling the matter. Tsurkov is not only associated with Princeton University but also works as a fellow and contributor for the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy. The institute has revealed that they last made contact with her in March when she expressed her intention to return to the United States following the completion of her field research in Iraq.
About a week after their last communication, the New Lines Institute received information from their sources that Tsurkov had been kidnapped in Baghdad by a “pro-Iranian group.” Since learning of her abduction, the institute has been actively engaged with U.S. and international officials as well as Princeton University to gather more information. In a press release, they stated their hope for her release through negotiations, potentially involving Iran and Russia due to Tsurkov’s Russian nationality.
Highlighting Tsurkov’s research focus in political science, the New Lines Institute emphasized that her fieldwork in the Arab world poses no threat. However, as an Israeli national, her identity becomes a significant risk factor in certain parts of the Middle East. The group pointed out the presence of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, making it an inhospitable environment for Tsurkov’s work.
Moreover, the New Lines Institute revealed that Tsurkov is an “outspoken critic” of Israel, Iran, and Russia—countries potentially involved in her negotiation for release. They urged the United States, despite Tsurkov’s non-American nationality, to play a role in advocating for her freedom, considering her close association with the country.
The Hill has contacted Princeton University for further comment on this distressing matter.
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