Today I woke up to the news that one of our prayers was answered.

After 903 days in captivity, Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian PhD student at Princeton, has finally been freed from captivity in Iraq.

Elizabeth isn’t just a name in the news - she’s a dear friend of someone I love. For all those years, her name was carried on trembling lips in whispered prayers.

Her disappearance began in March 2023, when she was abducted in Baghdad while conducting field research for her doctorate. According to reports, she was captured sitting at a cafe by Kata’ib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shiite militia, when it was found out that she is Israeli.

For nearly two and a half years, Elizabeth was in captivity. Her fate remained unknown to her family, until a haunting video that offered the only glimpse of her survival.

Finally, following relentless diplomatic and behind-the-scenes efforts, including tireless advocacy by her sister Emma, interventions by U.S. envoy Adam Boehler, and negotiating by Iraqi authorities, Elizabeth was released willingly into U.S. custody.

They are reporting that she will be returned to Israel to recieve treatment for her recovery, in the same vein as the other hostages.

May she find strength, peace, and comfort in the arms of family.

May she rediscover warmth, safety, and the simple joys that were stolen from her.

May her return remind us of the others still waiting, those whose loved ones remain behind the walls of captivity.

May her freedom renew our determination to pray, advocate, and never let hope be extinguished until every captive comes home.

Welcome home, Elizabeth. May your days ahead be filled with healing, laughter, and all the hopes we’ve carried for you.