Elizabeth Tsurkov seen embracing loved ones for first time in Israel after release from captivity in Iraq

The Prime Minister’s Office releases the first clear footage of Israeli academic Elizabeth Tsurkov greeting relatives and friends at the Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv last night, following her release from captivity in Iraq.

Tsurkov is seen walking with significant difficulty, as she is said to be suffering from severe back pain that was exacerbated during her captivity. She had undergone a spinal operation prior to being kidnapped in 2023 by the pro-Iran Iraqi militia Kataeb Hezbollah.

Footage released by the PMO shows Tsurkov reuniting with friends and family at the Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv. Wearing a gray US Embassy Baghdad shirt and walking with significant difficulty, she is seen smiling and joking with doctors and loved ones.

The clip shows her having to lie on a couch as loved ones embrace her.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Tsurkov earlier today, with the Israeli-Russian academic thanking the premier for helping secure her release, the prime minister’s office says.

The Times of Israel reported earlier today that Israel had very little to do with freeing Tsurkov, with the US and Qatar playing much bigger roles.

Netanyahu’s office highlights the efforts of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Israeli hostage envoy Gal Hirsch in securing Tsurkov’s release.

Former Israeli hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov is greeted by family and friends at Sheba Medical Center on September 10, 2025. (Ronen Horesh/GPO)