President Trump announced the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University doctoral student, after a 903-day ordeal as a hostage in Iraq. Ms. Tsurkov, an Israeli and Russian citizen with a sister who is an American citizen, was abducted in 2023 by Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. She is now safely at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.
The news was met with immense relief by Ms. Tsurkov's family and the Princeton University community. Her sister, Emma, expressed overwhelming joy at the prospect of a reunion, stating, "My entire family is incredibly happy. We cannot wait to see Elizabeth and give her all the love we have been waiting to share for 903 days." Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber echoed this sentiment, extending gratitude to President Trump and others involved in securing her release, including her family and various advocates.
President Trump's announcement on Truth Social also included a plea for the release of hostages held by Hamas following their October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. He stated, "I will always fight for JUSTICE, and never give up. HAMAS, RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, NOW!" This underscores the ongoing complexities of the Middle East conflict.
Before her kidnapping, Ms. Tsurkov was a fellow at the New Lines Institute and wrote for New Lines Magazine. Her extensive background includes over a decade of human rights work in the Middle East and a fellowship at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Her release marks a significant development in a tense geopolitical situation and brings an end to a harrowing chapter in her life and the lives of her family and colleagues.
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Originally published at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/elizabeth-tsurkov-princeton-grad-kidnapped-iraq-released/
