Ex-Ultra Orthodox Jew Teenager's SHOCKING Twist

Joseph Kraus became homeless at 18 after leaving his strict and severe ultra-orthodox community. This is his story. Make sure to catch my interviews with Julia Haart, Chavie Weisberger and Frieda Vizel as you dive into the fascinating hasidic / haredi community.
Contribute to his Cash App: $JosephKraus7 or Paypal: @Kraus532
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Andrew Gold links:
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/ andrewgold_ok
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/ andrewgold
#hasidic #jewish #judaism

[@AndrewGold1]

Can you help Joseph find work? Did you find his story interesting? Like the video, and comment below.

[@IvorMektin1701]

Former real estate agent/appraiser here. He would do very well as a property manager and his ability to interface with the observant.

[@Iamchasidish]

He is full of bs

[@davidganim7274]

He is been saying the same things over and over now if he was really looking to get a job he could've find one long time that game of playing victim has been abused by Joseph for over 2 years, any 14yr old school dropout can find but he can't, to be honest people don't like victims especially when your just playing, so just go shove your ass, stop blaming and do something better with your life

[@Nobodyknowsreally]

Andrew do you know of any free literacy education programs that may be available to him? In Australia we have volunteers who learn how, and then teach people who can’t read and write on a one to one basis. Here one of these is called “Read, Write Now” I wonder could he access something similar? I just Googled and it appears that New York Public Library has classes available. I’m in Australia so have no idea whether this might be applicable, but could be a place to start.

[@ysc2652]

He should contact Footsteps

[@jacobthomas443]

I engineered and recorded this interview . As a black man living 30 minutes from the community this kid escaped from . It’s crazy . Very insightful . Joseph was such a delight just to listen to , going through all that and still being so charismatic. I’ve recorded 3 Andrew Gold episodes so far btw ! I’m blessed

[@CD-cy8xx]

You did very well 👍🏼

[@DDBb993]

❤

[@everyoneroasted]

what do you mean by recorded?

[@gingersutton8240]

You sound like a wonderful man yourself.

[@sarahm9723]

@@everyoneroasted I think he means that he listened and watched them.

[@Liberperlo]

I'm a librarian who works for a.Public Library in Los Angeles now, but I was a librarian with The New York Public Library when I lived in New York City. In Manhattan, you can go to any branch of the public library and find out about basic literacy programs where you can get help with education. Good luck Joseph!

[@afritimm]

I found his repeated complaints that he was essentially illiterate in English to be implausible. He speaks rather fluently, took a written course in real estate and passed a written exam. And his upbringing had massive amounts of reading, even if it was in religious Hebrew. Still, it was READING. Big advantage over millions of immigrants that truly come from an almost illiterate background.

[@ceeceebeebee889]

He has such a sweet smile. I could listen to him talk for hours. I am sending good vibes for Joseph. I hope he finds healing, peace, and happiness.

[@leibiweiss]

Thanks for the interview ❤ I would like to comment that his story is quite different than most of us.. I grew up in the same community with the so-called fences... I can talk read and write English even it's not my first language.. my parents were not abusive thanks God, and I have a not so bad education, at least better than my friends and neighbors that went to the public schools no offense.. I didn't experience these abusiveness Even though my grandparents are Holocaust survivirus, Not everyone is getting married at 18, I'm still single in my twenties, an average Jewish Hasidic family will have between 4-6 kids.. I feel sorry for Joseph, and I wish him luck in life..

[@Laura-dc3vi]

Bless you and yours. Lovely comment ❣️🙏🕊️

[@beans4853]

Thanks for giving a more realistic perspective

[@kellyreilly-robinson2130]

I'm glad you are happy love your children unconditionally ❤

[@leibiweiss]

@@Mimi-uv2nh That's right, But what I'm saying is that not the whole community is like that, Some of the hate that he talks against the rest of us, it's just not true.. I'm not judging him because I can understand he is going through a lot.

[@tzvi3660]

As a orthodox jew, this guy is full of shit, I look just a chassidish as him, I'm a small business owner, Self made man, happily married, and a proud Dad, I'm pretty Fluent in English, But i don't need to be educated to smell BS, Funny how 2 weeks ago, the Satmar Community had a Business Expo in a convention center near Edison NJ with over 300 Chassidic Business Owners, and over 6000 Chassidic Attendees, This buddy has to get his head out of his Ass, Lay off the drugs, and go find a job, Instead of just making up shit

[@chavkon526]

Great interview. My heart goes out to you, Joseph. Good luck with everything

[@Sam-bj1jx]

It tears my heart to hear of someone that had such a hard upbringing😢 I grew up in a nearby community and studied computers in school (not a Jewish school) with a group that drove in to NYC every night for class from Kiryas Joel. So not everyone by any means has such a restrictive upbringing. Some of those I knew from school went on to have successful careers in computer science while remaining part of the Satmar community.

[@filteraccount1142]

The restrictions are the parents decision he had very restrictive parents 😢 so he walked away completely

[@Seagreen-el7tr]

Joseph has so much courage, there is clearly so much more to his story that he doesn't want to get into. Really hoping he is able to find some good employment and support.

[@valerienagy8764]

This may be one of my favorite interviews you've ever done. Joseph underestimates himself and he is fabulous and adorable. May he be happy, above all.

[@oldcollegecoed]

We can help him here in the Midwest! We already have a blended family and need a little more diversity, so we’d welcome him with open arms! And as a Holocaust historian, I would welcome and respect his religious beliefs and encourage him to find a Rabbi or Jewish mentor to help him navigate a very different Judaism!

[@dmalka336]

Awwww. You're so incredible.

[@Reporterreporter770]

He has been continuously helped by his Monroe NY Community and Family, i myself tried to help and he did some sinister stuff I already made a video about 🐁

[@lindasands1433]

​@@Reporterreporter770He's trying to survive

[@zoekrishel6677]

@@Reporterreporter770what kind of ‘sinister stuff’ ?

[@dee-deelove9310]

He said he’s an atheist so let’s respect his beliefs without projecting yours on to him thanks

[@autumn111155551]

The American word for pram is “stroller”

[@democraticpatriot2657]

Or "baby carriage."

[@meganritz]

His grandmother sounds like one kick-ass lady! He didn't say a lot about her, but to have around 20 kids after living through what she had to live through, she had to be strong.

[@kellyreilly-robinson2130]

She can be strong and lose sight of being in reality. (Completely understandable after the horrors of the Holocaust) She can love her family but be damaged and not able to be a healthy mom. It's tragic.

[@meganritz]

@@kellyreilly-robinson2130 I totally agree.

[@juliancohen9561]

The NYTimes did an obituary on her when she died in 2010. Her name was Yitta Schwartz, if you want to read it.

[@sshhlisten]

If quantity was everything, maybe, but if the goal is quality, he is in a better position to judge that than you are.

[@jackblack_Jacob_Schwartz]

@@kellyreilly-robinson2130She was healthy and strong until the last week of her life she was at sound mind many times that I went up to her for advise she was always happy with a smile her noise maker to go to sleep was the all the grandkids. There was every minute of the day someone there and she knew every kid until 5th generation

[@stephenfisher3721]

More amazing than a Hollywood movie is the true story of Chaim Meisels, the great grandson of Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, leader of the Satmar Hasidim. Although the Satmars are well known for being anti-Zionist, Chaim left New York as a young man and enlisted in the Israeli army. Chaim did not speak modern Hebrew or English. In a short time, he became fluent in both languages. The handsome young man became tan and fit. He became an officer in the Israeli army, part of an elite unit and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He kept his identity hidden but was discovered. Israeli media sought him out and he was interviewed a number of times on Israeli television. Chaim Meisels returned to the United States. He gradually returned to the Hasidim. In May 2023, he was married in a religious ceremony to the daughter of a Hasidic rabbi.

[@Marcusullman-nd1pz]

He seems very bright, clever, charismatic, talented, and fun. I laugh because I think all those traits originate from the community.. I work in KJ, wonderful place.. All of the boocharim are like that, just more happy and less confused..

[@motah7448]

Most Hasidim can speak and write English enough with this bs

[@stephenfisher3721]

Why do Hasidim always write with vulgarity or obscenity? Don't they know any decent words?

[@BSDCapital]

@@stephenfisher3721 no idea what you're talking about. When I read Reddit, every second contains a fuc*in and similar. Which I don't find on Jewish forums.

[@dawnwheeler2649]

Kiryas Joel is very different. Sheltered and secluded and very very strict

[@joannemcd1257]

Please let Joseph know about using the local library's around him! I don't know where he is staying, but libraries are everywhere! And since he has his I.D. now, he should be able to use them. Even if he has to just physically go inside and use the books and reading material inside! All the best to this young man!

[@afritimm]

He managed to take a real estate course and pass the written exam, so frankly I dont think he is quite as helpless as he claims.

[@stacyinfishers]

Thank you for giving this handsome young man an opportunity to be seen and heard. Joseph, you are going to be safe, warm and loved.

[@tuto108]

I think you were looking for the American word, "stroller." Love the show.

[@pammotown8194]

Was about to say that 👍🏼

[@MikeA15206]

Or baby carriage.

[@annaprice9105]

Omg!! I am always amazed how some of these people leave their communities and not afraid to speak about it!!! He is very brave young men and I wish him all the best in life 🙏🙏

[@bklein-uw2pt]

Hi all I live in the Jewish area. The Jewish guys are the nicest guys I ever saw There will always be here to help the other person They have the most organisations to help people Regarding education . There’s so much Jewish businesses Every Jew there I know as a successful live He must probe have some pain that’s why he talking like this My heart goes out for his father & mother that love him so much I wish you all the best I hope you will return one day to your family . after all they love you the most

[@joward481]

What a lovely young fella. Loved hearing his story. I'm sure he'll get lots of offers of help to get on his feet after this interview. Thanks for sharing this Andrew 💙

[@jl3319]

Very good interview. Very much like leaving the Jehovah's witnesses. I was abused in the cult physically by my parents and have a very similar story to you I was totally unprepared for the outside life in the real world. Fortunately I forged a good career and am financially stable. All the best to you Joseph, glad you're free. Enjoy your life and freedom and have a good career. All the best to you!

[@reneemills-mistretta790]

Wonderful! You were able to turn the negative into positive.

[@Xerfing]

I just commented the same l😅

[@broz1488]

Most genuine guest I've seen so far on your channel. Most of the others exaggerate or fudge things about their story. Perhaps not to incriminate themselves, whereas Joseph's teenage honesty just said it as it was. Raw truth.

[@afritimm]

I found he exaggerated about being virtually illiterate in English. He not only speaks almost fluently, he took a written real estate course and passed a written exam. Despite that resourcefulness and ability, and despite MASSIVE welfare options in a place like New York City, he can't find any educational program or find any job other than minimum wage?

[@judithbogner3222]

This was a very nice interview and down to basics, like life is all about! ❤❤❤❤

[@Barbara-bl7xv]

that was a miserable interview. without any research and background knowledge. Spreading prejudices.

[@mjb3736]

I am a chasidic jew that can read speak and write English I am well educated and know everything about the world should it be medicine medical science nature etc. and I enjoy life. Sorry for Joseph for having to go through such a rough time, there is always help out there to help you clarify your confusion and concerns, But to go spread hate against a religion is non ethical and inappropriate, every religion or community can make mistakes and it simply needs to be addressed and if there is a bad community then leave it but doesn't mean that all chasidic community's are bad or any religion you are from is bad just seek the help and clarify it. And just to be clear the Jewish religion and being chasidic is not the same, chasidic is just a way to praise and believe in God, you can be Jewish without being chasidic (not saying that chasidic is bad just saying it's a choice,) But if you went through something bad in a community doesn't give you the right to spread hate especially with people only interviewing those who had a bad experience... how about hearing the other side of the story and interviewing people who are successful and enjoy the chasidic community? Speaking about abuse there are far more abuse by the non Jewish families look up for yourself the studies... Abuse can happen anywhere to anyone and to any religion or community... Bottom line is it's not bad at all to be a chasidic jew especially a plain jew if you know how it works you can enjoy life and be well educated and still be chasidic it's just the way you approach and understand it. If you don't it you can be a jew without being chasidic or you can leave it and choose whatever religion you like but don't spread hate! I hope everyone choose the right place where they will truly enjoy life but remember to respect all the other community's and religions.

[@jaredini]

I'm guessing you're Lubovitch? 🙂

[@DocBree13]

My heart goes out to this brave young man. I send him love and wish him all the best. I wish I were in the position to help him in a concrete way. I hope he accepts some of the generous offers of hope that have been extended by some of the other amazing people in this community of “Edge Lords.” ❤

[@democraticpatriot2657]

This dude is a lot more sophisticated than he is letting on. Says he can't read or write English, but quotes the New York Times. There's an organization called Footsteps that helps people who left the strict Jewish community to adapt to productive life outside.

[@victa5601]

Good luck in your new life. Educate yourself & build a stable happy life. You are very brave !

[@maryfrancesbeckerhaggerty5353]

I have only seen two interviews with Jewish people who have left these communities - this being the second. I know there are different sects and I was never under the impression they are all abusuve, corrupt, etc. I actually learned alot from Peter Santellos youtube channel where he goes into the communities in NY - invited and I thought it was extremely insightful and educational.

[@lauratrader5220]

You Will Be a Beautiful Success Joseph you have a Wonderful Spirit

[@PollyAlice2000]

I think it was “right on” that this young man explains that many organizations sound very nice, but don’t do many of the practical things he needs! Do they coordinate job interviews for young people like this? Do they offer reading and writing classes? Do they set up interviews with companies willing to do on the job training? Do they teach how to navigate interviews, or what to wear? What practical things do they do? Housing help? Financial help?

[@mayraamici7906]

JEWINTECITY does, they do deal with this specific type of cases on a daily basis and they help them integrate in society again

[@haaather7131]

Well, to be honest, I have a high school diploma but I never learned how to balance a checkbook, interview for a job, build credit, navigate adult society, ect.

[@MottyTeitelbaum]

Well there is more then one org doing that just to mention a few for job's and interviews etc. there is EPI, Yid Job. And for financial help there are even more, every Jewish community have at least 5 organizations doing that. And for housing help there's a well known org Bikur Choilem helping out with that. And pls stop criticizing our community especially when you don't anything about us.

[@PollyAlice2000]

I wasn’t criticizing! I was hoping that people would begin to list resources for him! I was relating to him strongly from my own experience with cancer. We see and hear about many organizations that are supposed to be helping cancer patients. But when we found that despite having “excellent” health insurance, the “co-pay” “balance bills” we received for my surgery and care from doctors and hospitals were enormous, and none of the large charities provided financial help to working women like me, it was awful. We didn’t need pink socks and we didn’t need pamphlets. I did not want to be financially worth more to my family dead than alive! (Life insurance) When the health insurance failed to pay for the 3-D mammograms needed in order to detect any cancer return at the earliest possible, treatable stage, I finally found a law group to help, and I led a class action suit to make sure that the primary health insurer in my state would at least be required to pay for 3-D mammograms for all women. The whole process took 2 1/2 years, but we won! Obviously, this was a few years ago now, as 3-D mammograms are now the standard, and covered by all insurers. My point is that the young man was straightforward in his difficulty with finding services that he really needs. We were told about a small local charity that provided cash grants for women like me, and we will forever be grateful. I hope that people keep pointing him to services he knows nothing about. I’m sincerely sorry if you felt that I was criticizing anybody’s community.

[@beans4853]

​@@PollyAlice2000he knows about the resources. He doesn't want to accept help from jewish people because of his antagonism towards them

[@mariaashot5648]

That's a Baby Stroller, Andrew! Loved Joseph, loved his story, thank you both very much! Please provide us with updates from Joseph.

[@Polyphemus47]

It was a 'baby buggy' in my day...many years ago.

[@HyperUserGoesHyperer]

Love your content Andrew. Joseph is able to speak about his experiences, as someone who is still learning English, in such an eloquent and reflective way. I hope his situation improves soon.

[@AdultThirdCultureKid1971]

Joseph's English is fluent, actually. 😊

[@HyperUserGoesHyperer]

@@AdultThirdCultureKid1971 my mistake! I thought he said at the start he was still learning but might’ve got that confused with him talking about reading & writing (although I do agree he sounds fluent)!

[@MarciaFarber]

Would he like to live in northern California?

[@J3nJ3nl0llip0p]

I'm toward the end... I'm 30 years older than this young man, sitting here amazed at his wisdom and HOPE.

[@mo5ago1]

where did the wisdom come from, learning Torah i think

[@J3nJ3nl0llip0p]

@@mo5ago1 maybe! I don't know a lot about the Torah, from A Jewish perspective, but from videos I have watched by Rabbis describe MUCH different interpretations than Christians or Muslims.

[@nobodynever7884]

He should get in touch with Lani Santo from footsteps. Its an organization that helps them find jobs and friends, etc.

[@carolinekoen2414]

Yes! Heard great things about Footsteps

[@user-kg2uf8tq7p]

Such a sweet guy! I'm from Israel, want to invite him to come live here, ans even join the IDF where he can find friends like him. There are quite a lot.

[@digitaldebbie]

I am a secular Jew in New York and am fascinated by these stories. You should read the book, "All Who Go Do Not Return: A Memoir" by Shulem Deen. You should interview him too, if possible. His story and perspective are worth exploring. Love your channel!

[@Ace23412]

Shulem is the real deal 💯

[@digitaldebbie]

@@Ace23412 Yes. Many women have gone public about leaving husbands behind in the communities, but his story is the unique perspective of a married man leaving his wife and children for a more secular life. Very interesting guy.

[@AdultThirdCultureKid1971]

I'm interested in reading it.

[@happydillpickle]

Yeah I read that. My grandparents left. I grew up feeling I'd missed out on something beautiful, but after reading a few ex Charedi autobiographies, I don't think I would have coped.

[@piesusan17]

Shulem has a wonderful mother.

[@maemae1752]

Don’t worry too much about the destination Joseph, just start walking through life in the direction of your joy and your dreams, Life will take care of the rest. You are not alone in having to make the choices you did and God will help you every step of the way. Just because your family taught you a twisted version of God that doesn’t mean he doesn’t exist and it certainly doesn’t mean that he is isn’t loving and watching over you. You still have so much you have to learn and unlearn and there are so many of us who are here happy to help, just ask Him and he will send others to smooth the way into your new life. I wish you the very best.

[@angusseletto1511]

Its so nice to see that pretty much everybody wrote supportive and kind comments.That in itself makes thos clip special.❤

[@easybee5778]

I suppose usually these interviews are with people who left their sect or cult a longer time ago. Joseph is still figuring things out, with no pre-existing connections outside & it all sounds a little overwhelming right now. I can’t imagine what it’s like being suddenly thrown into a world as an adult but without a lot of the skills (language, reading, writing, etc) that nearly everyone else has. Luckily this young man has natural charisma, positivity & curiosity that will see him well. I hope he doesn’t lose his faith in humanity to help him & give him a chance. May the road rise to meet you! ☘️

[@francoisetabor7632]

What a brave, young, and intelligent man. I just want to give Joseph a motherly hug. As usual, Andrew, great interview. I love how you have a variety of subjects. I feel very hopeful for him. He has a lot of potential. Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@HumbleTruths]

I feel bad for my brother that’s in pain, and please don’t get it twisted, I’m from the Hasidic community myself and I had my fair share of trials and tribulations I was free to leave and in a way I did so it’s not as he’s presenting it, so please don’t judge us just by someone’s personal experience, again I love him as a fellow Jew! 🥰

[@udhe4421]

Did you also leave the community?

[@gailcullinan349]

Shalom from South Africa Andrew. What a wonderful interview. I think that Joseph has a backbone of solid steel and I shudder to imagine how courageous it was for him to leave the stringency of the haredi sect. To think that Joseph has never been streamed into normal schooling or the way of life as we know it and to attend University, is humbling and good for us to see and show us that we should never take anything for granted. I expect that Joseph has support hopefully from Hasidic people who also left the sect. It is heartbreaking to have to leave one's family and especially parents and not being able to see them again because one is shunned having chosen to leave the religion. I really feel for Joseph, but it gets better. I admire Joseph and I think that he is terribly intelligent which will serve him well in the future. I firmly believe that he will make it into normal life and I wish him all the best. I truly admire that he has not succumbed to fears of feeling incapable. I believe that his jewish teachings will fare him well throughout his forthcoming endeavours. Well done Joseph and just keep going. If you cant do what you do, do what you can.

[@piesusan17]

Joseph can never return and his leaving has impacted who his sisters will be able to marry. His freedom cost them more than he may realize.

[@gailcullinan349]

@@piesusan17 Yes and as it is in the cult and sect religions, the elders punish those left behind and shun the ones who leave. You should have a look at the horrors of the Jehovahs Witnesses and how they destroy families in the same manner and defelct blame onto innocents

[@gailcullinan349]

@@piesusan17 The man-made laws of ultra religions should be eradicated to make way for G-d's laws which would expel the awful mind control elders practice on followers. The same goes for Jehovahs Witnesses, Scientology, Menonite religions et al. The fact that the sisters may not marry is plain man made control mania and man made laws and despicable and unlawful if indeed true, @piesusan17 2 weeks ago Joseph can never return and his leaving has impacted who his sisters will be able to marry. His freedom cost them more than he may realize.

[@manoutoftime9057]

​@@gailcullinan349I love the arrogance of assuming your (also fake) god is the real one. 😂

[@Tali5899]

@@piesusan17 ?! Why on earth can he never return? And who decided? He will be neither the first nor the last, were he to return.

[@Gil-n1n]

Mr gold please stop youre evil u tube talking against ultra orthodox who many of them are very good people and help out jews and nonj ews

[@Laura-dc3vi]

Thank you Andrew for this MOST IMPORTANT interview with Joseph❣️🙏🕊️

[@lewiakk5844]

I know he’s only 20 but there’s a lot of history that he’s missing. He’s not a historian but it’s important.

[@AllyOnHerbs]

This is his story and I don’t think anyone is expecting a lesson in history from a 20 yr old two years out of a cult/sect. A follow up in ten years would be extremely interesting. You can already tell he is very insightful and intelligent

[@hocuspocus123]

He doesn't need to know all the history to leave!

[@lewiakk5844]

Right of course he doesn’t know, and this is his story. But making broad generalizations about his community now and the history of his and other communities is really misinformed.

[@maryfrancesbeckerhaggerty5353]

​@@hocuspocus123Right? Go around the United States and quiz some of our college kids on history. Ask them who we fought in WWII. Ask about the American Revolution. You would be floored at their answers. He has plenty of time to learn history.

[@hocuspocus123]

@maryfrancesbeckerhaggerty5353 What does that have to do with him leaving the cult he was in?? Is him knowing history supposed to guilt him into staying??

[@willowtree6657]

Oh you are gorgeous - the most kindest eyes beautiful smile - most importantly most beautiful soul

[@valerienagy8764]

I love Joseph! He is intelligent, funny, and charismatic (in a good way.) I would be proud to have him as my son. I will definitely subscribe to his channel. I wish I were in a position to help him with work or just plain money. Well done once again Andrew! (Joseph's English is excellent.)

[@jeldavidson]

Beautiful young man. I understand escaping abuse and starting over again. Many dont want to help, its tough. Please realize though God may have helped you leave, He saw into your heart. Don't close the door on Him completely. God bless you.

[@chayat.gruenzweig6164]

I'm jewish and would love to share my side of judaism. Feel free to reach out

[@Michael-hn6oi]

Reaching out

[@beans4853]

I'm a satmar chasidic woman and would love to give my perspective too. I just don't think being on camera in such a public forum is within my boundaries of modesty. If it can be done in a different manner I'd be happy to share my perspective (hint: we are not oppressed baby making machines)

[@ahoranui]

😂​@@beans4853

[@MinimumPayment]

Me being from kirays joel. Would love to touch base & give you a different perspective

[@tani29111]

Such an interesting interview -appreciate Joseoh sharing his experiences and viewpoints, and thanks to Andrew for giving him the platform. Well done, Joseph -looking forward to checking out your channel.

[@enji8893]

Shalom Joseph, Sephardic Asian Jew here. I left mom back in January 2021.

[@bernitajenkins3180]

Wow! I had no idea there were Asian Jews. I'm sad that you had to leave your mum. Good luck.

[@kalmanweberman-li1we]

!!רפואה שלמה

[@stephenfisher3721]

Who is sick?

[@suehancey8355]

So what are his interests, now he has the freedom, what is his dream? He’s so smart, is there a fund to help young people like him? Perhaps college would be in his future. I wish him all the very best. I will say there seems to be a similar problem when fundamentalist lds (Mormon) youth are either kicked out or manage to escape from their cult. The boys are literally turned out and no one seems to care whether they live or die, well no one in their own community. Great interview.

[@Hasidic_understanding]

18 Hours a day in school ??why can't he be honest. I am assuming, based on previous experiences listening to Joseph, he will continue to exaggerate and shine a negative light on every aspect of the hasidic community, so it would be pointless to point out every time he does it. Therefore, I beg everyone that is listening to this podcast please remember u are hearing from someone who has had a terrible experience in the community and unfortunately is unable to see anything through a positive lens.

[@Hasidic_understanding]

Unfortunately u have fallen for the oldest one in the books. U are giving your listeners one side of an extremely complicated coin. If u want to give a proper understanding of the hasidic people u should have a religious person, who is actually still part of the community, alongside someone like Joseph who has left. That would be a more honest and clearer depiction of what our community is all about.

[@susanrobertson984]

The point is clearly not to give a balanced view of Hasidic Judaism - it is to talk to people leaving abusive situations.

[@beans4853]

​@@susanrobertson984if that is so, why drag a community through the mud in the process? He's doing a lot of damage

[@susanrobertson984]

@@beans4853 he is telling his story. It is his to tell or not.

[@WilliamChurchill-HistoryIsNow]

​​@@susanrobertson984it is his to tell TRUTHFULLY lying and exaggerating just to get more views while hurting others in the process is the same form of selfish stupidity that abused him (or not) in the first place

[@susanrobertson984]

@@WilliamChurchill-HistoryIsNow he is a kid

[@kellylouisebrown4954]

Wishing him all the best in his future endeavours.

[@sally-kz7nz]

Good luck to you Joseph. You've overcome great obstacles and you are still so young - best of luck to you - you'll do great!

[@Rose_Ou]

I hope I'm wrong this time but as a survivor of sexual abuse I think I can recognize a victim when I see one. Whatever has happened to you Joseph, be strong! It takes ages at times to heal and find love within let alone true joy without trying to be someone else or push yourself to fit in, but this painful process is worth it. You will find peace eventually!

[@Xaroni]

I don't think he suffered sexual abuse, in fact he does specify the type of abuse he suffered.

[@Rose_Ou]

@@Xaroni in the beginning he mentions that he cannot talk about certain things and I know that facial expression. It's easier to talk about beatings and emotional abuse, I've been there. However, since I'm not a psychic I hope I'm wrong on this one.

[@ein_oid]

I agree

[@ChrisW228]

@@Rose_OuI really felt he said that as a respect to the people’s beliefs. Like he wouldn’t expose their religious secrets.

[@garden_3130]

@@ChrisW228unfortunately religious secrets often do involve sexual abuse.

[@sylviabriggs4087]

There must be 2 levels because I had a Jewish boyfriend and through him I met so many wonderful people in the Jewish community, this was very interesting, I wish him well,

[@dmalka336]

There's TONS of different sects and ways of being in Judaism, from super secular to extreme religious fundamentalism. I am glad you had a great experience.

[@beans4853]

Most people in kiryas Joel are generous, kind-hearted people. He experienced blatant abuse. That's not the norm in that community

[@maryfrancesbeckerhaggerty5353]

​@@beans4853what is the "norm" and how would he know? What "normalcy" has he been exposed to?😊

[@tzvi3660]

As a orthodox jew, this guy is full of shit, I look just a chassidish as him, I'm a small business owner, Self made man, happily married, and a proud Dad, I'm pretty Fluent in English, But i don't need to be educated to smell BS, Funny how 2 weeks ago, the Satmar Community had a Business Expo in a convention center near Edison NJ with over 300 Chassidic Business Owners, and over 6000 Chassidic Attendees, This buddy has to get his head out of his Ass, Lay off the drugs, and go find a job, Instead of just making up shit

[@anonymousanonymous-qx7mv]

He is not a well kid...but its hard for people hearing him for the first time...taking pity on him...for the ladt 3 years he has blasted his parents and community...

[@solomonweber1521]

How dare you talk about the holocaust that way?! You two should be ashamed of yourselves!

[@JodySugarspringerdoodles]

I loved listening to you guys chitchat it was awesome!

[@shayaberkow1727]

I'm also ultra-orthodox and am actually quite shocked at this child's lack of education, secular and Jewish! I look at him as one who is confused and misinformed. I guess this is the nature of Kiryas Joel Hassidim. I grew up in Monsey, NY. His words describing our community totally didn't resonate. He seems to have been raised with zero effort to elucidate any of the complex practices we commit to day in, day out. I feel bad he lacked that, he seems to be one who cares about truth and meaning. I have confidence he will return though. He won't see through western nonsense for too long...

[@ahoranui]

You are using internet 😅using western nonsense? You god people are ridiculous 😂

[@ahoranui]

You're using the internet, western nonsense 😂.

[@dave_goldcrest]

The main thing I'm getting from this is how beautiful Jewish men are. Both of them are gorgeous.

[@ahoranui]

😅 most orthodox I saw on 47 Street in NYC are far from being handsome. They actually all look inbred, wearing glasses from being closed communities.

[@bldbar118]

You did a great job with this interview, both of you! Very informative and entertaining.

[@YidView]

Thanks for the interview. I'm a Jew and i grew up in the same altra Orthodox Jewish community. It's totally not like Joseph is trying it to make look like. If he has bad parents or some issues that made him problems being in this community. It didn't mean that the whole community is bad.... My opinion is that one nice day Joseph will make a u turn and come back to his beloved community. Anyway I wish you good luck in your life.

[@devorahklein2129]

I really feel for Joseph. As a modern Orthodox Jew who lived across the street from the Satmar yeshiva in Brooklyn many years ago, I understand his frustration with this community and way of life. However, he needs to know, not assume, the sources of why his community behaved as it did. Why did he throw out all religious beef if what he was objecting to was the excess of Satmar Hassidism? There is a huge difference between that and a normative Jewish lifestyle. The way to a meaningful life is to find yourself without throwing everything away. I wish you much happiness.

[@MarciaFarber]

A U-Turn isn't likely. His prison sounded horrific. My mothers was as reformed as a Political Jewish Dr could be. My father was even less. Education was her religion. We did go to my Aunts on occasion for larger Holidays. She was a great cook. Haven't been to a Sedar meal since HS.

[@stephenfisher3721]

​​@@devorahklein2129Many so-called experts say that OTD's (off the derech, off the way, Jews who leave the religious path) do so not because of abuse or homosexuality. I have no way of knowing the percentages but some are leaving precisely because of abuse and/or homosexuality but it all gets confused with religion. If you were abused by "religious" people, do you want to be religious? If you hate your religious abusers, it makes sense to hate the religion. What if you have homosexual feelings? You may not understand those feelings or want those feelings but they exist. Your community does not help you understand; only that it is perverted and wrong and sinful, an abomination (תועבה). What choice do you have but to leave and hate the religion that condemns you and leaves you without hope.

[@christinabeck9316]

There are many big things wrong with these communities. They need secular education, or teachers who are certified. Keeping them isolated is not ok. Telling them that secular people will hurt/kill them keeps them scared. Having 10 plus kids….do the math.

[@shimmysertin]

It's quite apparent since he did very clearly say he experienced abuse. But we all know leaving often seems impossible from the inside and the tremendous trauma and hardships in leaving, and that's not ok. Lomir zich nisht naren

[@hannahbaxter8825]

I also have shwartz's in my family history. Im happy how he managed to say how the intention was good originally in religions but they've lost the way and got focused on all these details. Usually people who leave just say in interviews"i just wanted to do what i want" and its just not deep enough for me so I'm amazed that with his communication difficulties due to lack of English education he managed to mention things that are usually lacking in these kind of discussions. This is a nice deep discussion including complex feelings and ideas.

[@miovicdina7706]

This is a great comment. I agree. Greetings from a distant Schwartz (Cernitz) from Serbia.

[@hannahbaxter8825]

​@@miovicdina7706thank you, he also mentioned how you feel pressure to keep doing things because of the people who died etc and this is also true. When I got with my long term partner 16 years ago my father said that I was completing Hitlers Plan and he cut me off!

[@stephenfisher3721]

Schwartz? Is that a Jewish name? Are you trying to say you are Jewish?

[@miovicdina7706]

@@stephenfisher3721 Both Schwartz and its Czech version, Cernitz, are Ashkenazi Jewish names, yes. Why do you ask, what is it that you would like to know?

[@stephenfisher3721]

@@miovicdina7706 Sorry. I was trying to direct my comment to @hannabaxter8825. I was confused why she mentioned that name

[@aleksandra8043]

I am not sure why people interview only Yehudim who went off the dereck. What is the purpose? In such way you make Judaism look very bad and people who have no idea what Torah is, can have negative impression. It hurts to look and hear those things about Judaism. There are some communities which chose this kind of life, but it doesnt mean that Judaism is a cult, it's way too far from the truth. Judaism is the path to perfection. I am myself in the process of conversion to Orthodox Judaism

[@picrureperfect8476]

Chassid bashing is in style these days, it doesn’t take much research to figure out that this community is 99.9 percent full of happy people who aren’t abused, who aren’t forced into having 20 kids and who are happy to get married at 18.

[@jojowynne233]

He spoke so well for someone whose second language is English and he should be very proud of that. Joseph was very brave and very clever in making his escape from the culty religion. I’m glad he saved himself and has been doing everything he can to make a better life for himself. I hope there’s some help offers in the chat, which knowing the amazing quality of viewers here I’m sure there would be. It was disappointing to hear that the foundations set up for cult survivors don’t have what he needs, such as learning to read and write. Although it could be a funding issue? Who knows? Let’s hope this guy gets a boost up and I’m sure he will rise to the challenge. Great interview Andrew! Thanks to you both for doing it. 🙏❤️

[@flower_goddess1279]

Wow! I am still reeling from this video! What an articulate, strong young man. Thank you Andrew for another thought-provoking, mind blowing video!!❤

[@marcel440]

There is obviously things to criticise - but he's exaggerating, and yes, I know the community from the inside as well. It's important to not only interview people who left the community - who obviously hate the community - but also people who have a very different perspective. I feel bad about his upbringing.

[@mircat28]

Have you lived in a strict Jewish community? If not then you have no right to doubt anything he says. You sound like you can’t believe any of what he says is true or is done!

[@lisabaccich9270]

Mr. Gold, I live in the Virginia (I don’t know if you know all the US states, but Virginia is just south of DC.) I taught my three daughters how to read and write. (I homeschooled for 9 years.) I can try to do the same with Joseph. I am not familiar with KZbin all that well, so outside of leaving a comment on both your and his KZbin channel, I’m not sure how else to communicate with him. (Instagram is not my thing.). If we can figure out a way via social media, I can try to give Joseph the power of words. It breaks my heart to see the anti-Semitism he has faced. While I am Christian, I was never taught to hate Jews. Indeed, I was taught the opposite. I was taught to respect them. My dad worked for a wonderful Jewish man for 39 years.

[@alysoncaddick6344]

Such a sweet young man. I have read the asterisk marked comment, but can only say that people need to remember how young he is and what he's been through.

[@leahdanziger8299]

I would encourage everyone watching this to take this with a grain of salt. His lenses are very distorted and therefore full of lies and exaggeration. Coming from someone who grew up in the same community.

[@GiordanoBruno42]

I live near Prestwich UK, they have a special sacred boundary (eruv?) placed around the local jewish majority area. This is to enable people to do certain activities outside of their home on the Sabbath day. Is his sect's fence one of those? So it technically isn't a fence but in his community you were expected not to cross the boundary, so it was effectively a fence to people who didn't want to get in trouble with the community.

[@karenpearson8916]

hi i am from whitefield the eruv goes quite far i think it goes from salford up to bury

[@HotFlushSummer]

One of my best friends grew up in Prestwich and said him and his mates used to have to go into the Hasidic houses and switch on the lights and tv for them on Shabbat! It sounded like it was a generally harmonious cultural mix back then in the 60s and 70s even though they found this quite amusing!

[@werqzeleke2815]

​@@HotFlushSummerI think it's called Sabbath slave/ goyim?

[@GiordanoBruno42]

@@karenpearson8916 oh thanks for that info it's a lot bigger than I thought then :)

[@GiordanoBruno42]

@@HotFlushSummer Your friend had the highest honour of being a Shabbos Goy lol 😂

[@hemera73]

bless this soul!!!

[@abeliever7029]

Thank you for this interview. We are all God's children. Intelligence is not only applicable to Jews. What concerns me, is why he hasn't approached someone to teach him to read and write.

[@MottyTeitelbaum]

I know Joseph he has a problem I think it's a vision issue, nothing with education.

[@beans4853]

I got the impression that he was offered help but he enjoys being a victim

[@bbnicks8317]

Joseph needs a course English as a second language and a volunteer tutor to teach him how to write properly .

[@ambabamba7271]

The so called Mexican boarder is SUPER easy to get over these days. I imagine much easier than getting out of the Satmar community.

[@mweiss505]

Andrew it's good that you give a voice to everyone, but there are thousands of very decent ppl who live in that community and I don't it's fair to smear a whole community because of one person's experience. especially when it comes to religion he has no deep understanding of Judaism what so ever and makes it sound as if millions of othordox jews are dumb.

[@beans4853]

The fact is that it's the opposite. Most know the significance of what they are doing which is why they appreciate it. I don't want to say that he's dumb but the minority like him who don't find the value in it are those that see it as just pointless tradition. There are so many answers to every question he could've asked if he would only want to lean about it.

[@MosheNUllman]

I feel truly sorry to hear how Joseph felt growing up in the ultra-orthodox community. I do want to say though, he does sound quite a bit lost. He's very intelligent but he is convinced that leaving his community will grant him a better life. As someone who's almost left community, what saved me was actually the fact that I was actually quite exposed to the "outside" world. He says once you leave there's no turning back, but actually most of current Jewish conversions are people seeking to join this very community he so badly wanted to leave. Contrary to what he's saying, that our customs are meaningless and over-restricting, it is actually what makes our community the majoritively happy place it is. In my harsh opinion, he hadn't suffered very much in the community as much as he was attracted to leaving it. Well I hope he finds happiness, yet I fear he will find it extremely difficult to find inner peace, knowing his former life contained so much more purpose and true happiness, rather that the glitz and glammer of western society and purposeless self-indulgence. He seems to partly still believe in Judiasm, there are so much more options within the Jewish community, why he threw it all off boggles me and bothers me. I wish I'd be able to speak to him, fully explain to him what he's giving up.

[@MehWhatever99]

I think he’s lost right now. He’s alone, and he’s hurt. I feel like he still believes in the values of Judaism. He may still come back to those once he is more adjusted.

[@NoThinkModeActivated]

28:54 "here's the girl make 20 babies" for those who haven't realized this is a radical statement and is not true for most of the community im sorry if Josheph's parents were abusive but that is not a fair representation of our community

[@beans4853]

Definitely not the norm. People want to have large (5-10 kids, not 20) families because we value and support the lifestyle here. It's not demanded of anyone

[@stephenfisher3721]

​​@@beans4853I am not Hasidic. I have had limited personal interaction with Hasidim except for Habad shluchim and baalei teshuva. However, it does seem to me that Hasidic groups put a lot of pressure on young adults to marry and have children. Among the secular well-to-do professionals, people are often encouraged to remain unmarried and have no children. "Here's the girl, make 20 babies is certainly an exaggeration but does have much truth.

[@beans4853]

@@stephenfisher3721 I am chasidic, and both extremes are terrible. In my experience, very few people are pressured into marrying young and having lots of kids. The community is set up for it to happen organically . The infrastructure is there to support this lifestyle. Having a large family is valued and treasured for the gift it truly is, however no one is pressured into it beyond standard peer pressure of "my friends are already married, have a kid...I want to experience it too"

[@NoThinkModeActivated]

@beans4853 ​​​What you're saying is true many within the community feel the need to get married young and have multiple children, which may or may not be a bad thing, however, for those who know nothing about hasidic Judaism and are only hearing this all they hear is "hasidic Jews force young people to have 20 kids"

[@tzvi3660]

As a orthodox jew, this guy is full of shit, I look just a chassidish as him, I'm a small business owner, Self made man, happily married, and a proud Dad, I'm pretty Fluent in English, But i don't need to be educated to smell BS, Funny how 2 weeks ago, the Satmar Community had a Business Expo in a convention center near Edison NJ with over 300 Chassidic Business Owners, and over 6000 Chassidic Attendees, This buddy has to get his head out of his Ass, Lay off the drugs, and go find a job, Instead of just making up shit

[@chollander2]

I have become enamored of Hasidic music and thus have come to study the Haredi. I don't think anyone realizes how hard it is what you are doing. I have come in contact with a couple of guys who seemed like rebels, but they were not. Secular education involves a whole range of interests and every child is different. Your education was one thing only Talmud and Bible. You are doing amazing and keep strong.

[@yleyvi]

Such an intelligent and brave man! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@anonymousanonymous-qx7mv]

You make me laugh..he is far from intelligent!

[@monicaLynn7]

I love this interview! thank you 😊

[@Wunjo-Wunjo]

Good luck Joseph.

[@lilasfaves7846]

Great to hear you Joseph! The internet must have teachings of reading/writing- even if it starts at kiddie level, it’ll all help to learn and improve as you’re so keen yaaay!! 🎉❤

[@ljre3397]

He’s incredibly intelligent and introspective given his upbringing. I think he’ll be fine. Great interview Andrew.

[@AndreacardonaDauntlessandre]

You are going to make it 😊 from what we heard you have a great spirit and are so driven 😊 A quick HOLa from Colombia 🇨🇴

[@mendelspira917]

Joseph is one of a kind. Most of the hasidic jews are actually very educated and very successful in business 👎👎👎

[@stephenfisher3721]

Hasidic Judaism is against secular education. They don't go to college. They are poor. They are not at all successful according to worldly standards. As to being sheltered and uneducated, Joseph is a totally typical male from the Satmar Hasidim, the largest Hasidic group in the United States.

[@sebastiaosalgado1979]

Nope

[@enji8893]

I left coz of the strictures of kashrut, halacha, and Shabbat

[@annbannister1118]

Hi to all the goldies ❤

[@pixie3760]

Hi back 👋

[@anahithakobyan6309]

I wish i was born Jewish not Christian. Christians don't take care of each other, but Jewish families are the best.

[@sandy-quimsrus]

I remember reading books about the Hasidic community in Brooklyn over 30 years ago. Facinated me then and still now, wish i could remember the Authors name. I hope this young man finds happiness, education , security and a loving community. Best of wishes to him.

[@slsmith5267]

Chaim Potok.

[@sandy-quimsrus]

@@slsmith5267 thank you

[@peachsangria8704]

Joseph is a delight. I'll admit I struggled to listen to him at some points but I kept reminding myself of where he came from and I made it to the end of the interview. I grew up in NY around the Hasidic community and even worked for them. I know how these people are. I wish you all the very best Joseph. It will get better! Edit to add: it occurred to me that for him, perhaps the best option would be to join the military? A lot of his needs could be taken care of that way.

[@tammygarris2143]

He sounds like Christopher Walken

[@tron.44]

It's a new york Jewish thing.

[@bernitajenkins3180]

Give him a cowbell 😁

[@neleven4154]

He's so smart. Such a great smile. Good luck to him. Link his KZbin channel

[@pixie3760]

Judaism is absolutely fascinating, it's eye opening to learn about the different offshoots. I have a BA. In world religions simply because I've always wanted to get the mindsets of what and how people believe...and as part of the degree Judaism took a large slice of the studies, but we learned nothing about these offshoots ......truly they are so interesting....if somewhat alien and quite disturbing. Great interview with this intelligent young man Andrew thank you