Israeli-Russian woman says Iraqi militants tortured her in captivity

An Israeli-Russian woman, Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held captive for nearly three years by militants in Iraq has recounted her harrowing ordeal. The 39-year-old PhD student at Princeton University revealed the gruesome details of how she used her knowledge to fabricate confessions to avoid further torture while being detained.

The ordeal began when two men dragged Ms Tsurkov behind her car and beat her, before taking her to a remote location where she was subjected to extreme abuse for 100 days. She said she suffered physical and mental trauma, which included being trussed and hung from the ceiling, whipped, electrocuted, and sexually abused.

Ms Tsurkov attempted to outsmart her captors by claiming she was a Russian citizen, but they soon discovered that she held Israeli citizenship through her parents. After accessing her phone, they realized that she wasn't a spy, leading them to use more brutal methods of torture.

The torture included hanging Ms Tsurkov from the ceiling with her hands cuffed behind her back, as well as using what she described as "Middle Eastern specialties" that left her dislocated and severely injured. She even invented confessions about herself to try and escape further abuse.

Ms Tsurkov believes she was held by members of Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia group in Iraq. The organization is designated a terrorist group by the US and others.

She has undergone therapy since her release, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and feelings of insecurity and anger among Israelis. Ms Tsurkov claims that events over the last two years have left her more pessimistic about peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

She had previously worked with victims of torture but revealed that nothing prepares one for such an experience. The trauma also affected her mentally, causing her to internalize some of the views of her abusers.

Despite all this, Ms Tsurkov remains determined to complete her PhD at Princeton University.

I'm not buying it. How can we trust a woman who was held captive for 3 years and then just magically starts spouting propaganda about Israelis and Palestinians? I mean, she's been working with victims of torture before and now she's all like 'nothing prepares one for such an experience'?

And what's with this claim that her captors were from Kataib Hezbollah? Where are the sources on that? How do we know they weren't just trying to spin a narrative to get sympathy?

I'm not saying I don't believe she was tortured or anything, but can we please take it slow here and wait for some solid evidence before jumping to conclusions? This whole thing feels like a setup to me...

I'm still shook by Elizabeth's story! It's insane to think about what she went through - 100 days of pure hell and then having to fabricate confessions just to survive? The fact that she was a victim of torture and yet found a way to keep her humanity is truly inspiring. Her experience has left her with PTSD, but it's amazing how strong she is still. I'm not surprised she's feeling pessimistic about peace between Israelis and Palestinians - who wouldn't be after going through something like that? I hope she gets the support and therapy she needs to recover fully. And can we talk about how brave she was to share her story publicly?

man she's been thru so much its crazy how ppl can be so cruel i mean i know we always hear about people fighting for their rights and stuff but situations like hers is just heartbreaking i can imagine how scared she must've felt, being dragged away from her car and all that. its a good thing she was able to use her knowledge to try and protect herself tho, thats some pretty clever thinking still gotta be super tough for her after everything she went thru though PTSD is no joke i hope ppl can learn from this and just treat each other with kindness and respect, we should all try to live in a world where stuff like this doesn't happen

I'm so sick of hearing about people who are somehow deserving of what they go through . I mean, Elizabeth Tsurkov was just minding her own business and then BAM! Kidnapped by militants in Iraq. No idea why she even goes to that part of the world. And now she's all traumatized and pessimistic about peace? Like, who isn't after experiencing what she did?

And can we talk about how crazy it is that these militant groups are still operating freely? I mean, Iran-backed militia group? Come on! The US should be doing way more to stop them. But no, they just sit there and do whatever they want. It's infuriating.

I don't know, maybe I'm just cynical, but it feels like nobody is even trying to help people like Elizabeth Tsurkov. She's got PTSD and she's still trying to finish her PhD? Good luck with that .

I'm so glad she's finally free from that horrific ordeal! 3 years is way too long for someone to be held captive like that . And can you believe the things they did to her? Hanging her by the ceiling with cuffs on, electrocution... it's just too much .

I mean, I'm all for trying to outsmart your captors and stay safe, but fabricating confessions is a huge risk. It must've been so hard for her mentally and physically . And now she's struggling with PTSD symptoms and feelings of insecurity... it's heartbreaking .

It's crazy that the militia group was able to access her phone and figure out she wasn't a spy... what kind of tech are we dealing with here? Anyway, I'm so proud of her for not giving up on her PhD goals despite all this . She's definitely an inspiration!

I'm still shaking my head over Elizabeth's story . I mean, can you even imagine being dragged behind a car and beaten for 100 days straight? It's like something out of a horror movie. And the fact that she had to fake confessions to avoid getting worse treatment... it's just heartbreaking. I'm so glad she was able to escape and get help, but at the same time, it's crazy that people still think torture is an effective way to get info .

I've been following this case for a while now, and I have to say that my opinion on it hasn't changed - it's just sad that it even has to happen. I mean, we're living in the 2020s and people are still resorting to these extreme measures. And the fact that she had to internalize some of her abusers' views is just... ugh .

I'm also thinking about how this experience must have affected her mentally. PTSD is no joke, and it's not something you can just 'get over' . I hope she gets the support she needs, but at the same time, I wish that people like her could be spared from going through this in the first place... anyway, it's still hard to process how someone could do such a thing to another human being .

This is seriously disturbing... I mean, 100 days of torture? That's just insane. And she had to fabricate confessions just to survive? It's like something out of a horror movie. I can only imagine how traumatic that experience must be for her, and it's heartbreaking that she's struggling with PTSD and feelings of insecurity and anger.

I'm also shocked that Kataib Hezbollah is involved in this. I mean, we all know about their ties to Iran and terrorist activities... It just goes to show how brutal and inhumane some groups can be.

But what's really inspiring is that Elizabeth Tsurkov is still determined to pursue her PhD at Princeton University. That takes a lot of courage and resilience, especially after going through such an ordeal.

I'm shocked by this story . I mean, can you even imagine being trapped and tortured like that? It's insane how these captors thought they could break her spirit, but she found a way to cope using her intelligence. Using confessions as an escape tactic is really clever (and terrifying).

The fact that these militants used brutal methods on her, including electrocution and whipping, is just heartbreaking. And the physical trauma she suffered is just awful – who thought it was okay to hang someone from the ceiling with their hands cuffed behind them?

It's also crazy how her captors were trying to use psychological warfare against her, making her doubt her own identity. I mean, can you imagine feeling like that?

I'm glad she made it out alive and is now seeking help for PTSD. It's a miracle, honestly. And the fact that she's still determined to finish her PhD is really inspiring – she's definitely a strong woman.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around Elizabeth's story, it's like something out of a nightmare film. 100 days of extreme abuse is just unimaginable... how she managed to survive (and fabricate confessions) without completely losing her mind is beyond me . As someone who values human rights and dignity, it's heartbreaking to see someone go through such trauma and come out with feelings of insecurity and anger. But what really gets me is that even though she's trying to rebuild her life (completing her PhD, no less!), she's now more pessimistic about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process . I hope her story raises awareness and sparks some needed conversations about human rights, torture, and the devastating impact it has on individuals and communities

I'm still trying to wrap my head around what Elizabeth Tsurkov went through. 100 days of that kind of torture is just unimaginable... i mean, how does one even survive that? And the fact that she had to resort to making up confessions just to keep herself safe is heartbreaking. I can only imagine how hard it must be for her to deal with PTSD and feeling insecure about being Israeli after going through all this trauma. It's crazy to think that she's still on track to finish her PhD at Princeton, but you've got to admire her strength and determination.

omg i cant even imagine what she went thru 100 days straight of abuse is insane i feel bad for her tho she did do some crazy stuff like inventing confessions but i guess that was just a way to try and survive right? anyway idk if im reading too much into it or what but i dont think it makes sense that she'd be all negative about peace now after everything she's been thru... shouldn't she be more hopeful or something?

ps did anyone know how her phone was accessed without her knowing? also btw is it normal for ppl to use "middle eastern specialties" as torture methods

.. just heard about Elizabeth Tsurkov's story and I'm still trying to process it . Can you imagine being in that situation for almost three years? The physical abuse is one thing, but the mental games they played on her... it's just heartbreaking . I mean, she's a smart person who tried to use her knowledge against them, but it's crazy how desperate people can get when they're being held captive.

And what really gets me is that the trauma is still affecting her mentally, even after she was released. PTSD and all that... it's like, you'd think it would get easier with time, but clearly not for her .

But despite everything, she's still determined to finish her PhD? That's just incredible to me . I guess that says a lot about her strength and resilience. I can only imagine how hard it must be for her to balance her recovery with her academic life, but I have no doubt she'll get through it .

I mean, can you even imagine being in that situation? She's like, totally resourceful and stuff, but also super traumatized... and it's not just the physical pain, but also the mental manipulation she went through, like, being forced to fake her own guilt. It's a tough lesson, but I guess we can all learn from this: even in the darkest of times, there's always some spark of resilience that can help you get through... and it's crazy how she's trying to balance all this trauma with just going back to her studies... I mean, props to Princeton for supporting her

just can't believe what ppl r go thru . 39 yrs old & still thinkin bout how 2 escape torture . that's a lot of strength & survival skills . she went through hell & came out the other side, but it's clear that trauma lingers on . hope ppl can appreciate her bravery & resilience . btw, did u hear about this new app that helps ppl overcome PTSD? https://www.pexels.com/photo/app-for-ptsd-13485/

I mean, can you even imagine being in that situation? She's been through so much physical and mental torture... it's just unbelievable . And then she has to fabricate confessions just to survive? That's so messed up . It's crazy that she was able to keep a level head and think on her feet like that, but at the same time, it's just so sad and traumatic what she went through .

And now she's dealing with PTSD and feeling all this anger towards Israelis... I don't blame her one bit . It's not easy to come back from something like that. But still, she wants to finish her PhD? That takes a lot of guts . Maybe it's good for her to focus on something else, get some therapy and prioritize her own recovery?

omg, 3 years in captivity is like, super unimaginable , i mean, can u even imagine being held down and whipped like that? it's crazy how ppl think they're above the law just 'cause of their nationality or whatever , elizabeth's story is literally heartbreaking & it's so sad she's still dealing with PTSD and all that , but at least she's trying to stay strong and get her PhD , and honestly, who can blame her?

Can't even imagine being in her shoes, 100 days of brutal torture , I mean what's the point of even trying to fabricate confessions when you're just gonna get hurt more ? Her story is a total eye-opener, I was expecting some heroic escape but instead she had to resort to playing dumb & hoping for mercy . It's crazy how trauma can affect you mentally too, internalizing the views of your abusers is no joke . But at the same time, her determination to finish her PhD is super inspiring . I guess that's what resilience is all about, right? Keeping going even when everything seems impossible #SurvivorTales #TraumaAwareness #ResilienceMatters

man... just thinking about Elizabeth Tsurkov's ordeal is giving me chills . 100 days of extreme abuse? that's just heartbreaking . and the fact that she had to fabricate confessions just to survive... it's like, what even is the point of human dignity at that stage? . I can only imagine how hard it must be for her to deal with PTSD symptoms and feelings of insecurity now. . but you know what really gets me? how this experience has left her more pessimistic about peace between Israelis and Palestinians... like, we need people like Elizabeth who have experienced such trauma to speak out and share their stories so that we can learn from it . on a personal level, I hope she finds the support and healing she needs to complete her PhD and start this new chapter in her life .