Elizabeth Tsurkov
Doctoral student and researcher studying Iraqi politics and the Sadr movement who was abducted and held in Iraq for two and a half years; now recuperating in Israel and continuing academic work and writing about the region.
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Dec 9, 2025 • 56min
Freed hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov: 'I survived months of torture in Iraq – I won't be silenced in Israel'
In a powerful conversation, Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Russian-born Israeli researcher and activist recently freed from captivity in Iraq, shares her harrowing experiences and insights. Despite torture, her commitment to human rights endures amid a changing Israeli landscape. She navigates politics in Iraq, denouncing militia control and corruption while reflecting on U.S. policy shifts and the aftermath of the Assad regime. Tsurkov discusses her recovery and future plans, emphasizing the importance of speaking out about human rights abuses.
Dec 9, 2025 • 29min
SPECIAL EPISODE: The Elizabeth Tsurkov interview
Elizabeth Tsurkov, a doctoral student and researcher on Iraqi politics, shares her harrowing tale after being held captive for two and a half years. She recounts the brutal torture she endured, including electrocution and starvation, while revealing her strategies to protect innocent Iraqis. Now recuperating in Israel, she discusses her ongoing research on the Sadr movement and the power of militias in Iraq, emphasizing how corruption perpetuates their influence. Tsurkov's resilience shines through as she navigates her recovery and continues her academic work.
