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Israel’s spy chief and the Prime Minister’s Office publicly thanked Cyprus on Wednesday for quietly helping secure the safe return of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Russian-Israeli researcher who spent two years in captivity in Iraq.
Tsurkov, 38, was kidnapped in Baghdad in 2023 while conducting academic research on the Middle East. Her case drew international concern, not least because she is also a doctoral student at Princeton University in the United States. For months, little was known about her condition or whereabouts.
Late Tuesday, Israeli officials confirmed her release. By Wednesday night, Tsurkov had landed safely in Israel after transiting through Cyprus.
In a rare joint statement, the Prime Minister’s Office and Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency, singled out Nicosia for praise.
“The Mossad director thanks his Cypriot counterpart for the assistance he provided to Elizabeth during her humanitarian transit through Cyprus to Israel,” the statement read.
Officials said the cooperation underscored the close relationship between the two Mediterranean neighbors, which in recent years have strengthened ties on energy, security and intelligence.
“The cooperation between the two countries has once again proven effective,” the statement concluded.
Tsurkov’s kidnapping highlighted the risks facing researchers and aid workers in Iraq, where a patchwork of militias still wields power despite efforts to stabilize the country. She was believed to have been held by an Iran-backed Shiite group.
While Israeli officials have not disclosed details of the negotiations leading to her release, they stressed that Cyprus’s role was crucial in ensuring her safe passage home.
Cyprus, situated just 200 miles off Israel’s coast, has become an important partner for Jerusalem in both regional diplomacy and counterterrorism.
For now, Tsurkov’s family says they are simply relieved. “Elizabeth is finally home after two long, difficult years,” relatives said in a brief statement. “We are grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly for her freedom.”
Who is Elizabeth Tsurkov?
Background: Elizabeth Tsurkov, 38, is a Russian-born Israeli citizen and a doctoral student at Princeton University. She is known for her in-depth research on Middle Eastern politics, militias and human rights.
Work: Tsurkov has written widely cited analyses for international think tanks and publications, often focusing on Syria, Iraq and broader regional conflicts.
Why Iraq: In 2023, she traveled to Baghdad for academic fieldwork. Iraq remains one of the most challenging environments for foreign researchers, with armed groups operating outside government control.
Kidnapping: She was abducted in March 2023, reportedly by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite militia. The group has been accused of targeting foreigners and activists.
Concerns: Her case drew attention from U.S., Israeli and international officials, not only because of her dual citizenship but also because of her high academic profile.
Release: After two years in captivity, she was freed in September 2025 and returned to Israel via Cyprus.
