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

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

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!

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..

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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..

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.

The American word for pram is “stroller”

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

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.

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

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 🙏🙏

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 💙

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!

Most Hasidim can speak and write English enough with this bs

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.” ❤

I love this interview! thank you 😊

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

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.

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?

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

Loved this conversation, So interesting, Thank you 🤍

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

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.

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.

Wonderful interview. Very informative. I truly enjoy your KZfaq videos.

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

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!

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.

Thanks for sharing & speaking up 😊

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.

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

I loved listening to you guys chitchat it was awesome!

I hope and pray that somebody takes this awsome Young man under their wings! God bless him.

Andrew and Joseph, thank you for such a raw and honest interview. Good on Joseph for having the immense courage to rise up and escape the predetermined path and take the difficult path to freedom. I wish Joseph every success and true happiness in his future . He’s so impressive and intelligent. Andrew I hope that you can follow up with Joseph to make sure that he’s doing well. Sincere thanks to you both 🙏

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.

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

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.

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!

Wishing him all the best in his future endeavours.

Good luck Joseph!! You have a great attitude about your struggles. I have no doubt things will improve for you. I wish I could financially help, but I at least subscribed. I hope for the best for your future

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 🇨🇦

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.)

I can imagine how hard this is. I think Joseph is doing great for this very hard start. Thank you Andrew for inviting Joseph to speak out. 🙏💚💚💚💚💚

Great guest😁.Thank you for educating me.😄

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

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! 🥰

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!! 🎉❤

great interview, Andrew.

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.

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.

Wow! What an amazing and informative interview. I'm so impressed that he managed to get his Real Estate licence. I wish him all the best.

Brutal honesty from this kid

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,

!!רפואה שלמה

Fantastic interwiev,amazing young Man.I with you all the best Joseph.

What an amazing young man. Such an interesting interview xx

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.

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

Sending hugs & love to Joseph. 🥰

Andrew, These are some of the element of the old way of being or the old structure that are dissolve now. We have the capacity to comprehend. Thank you for showing the public these evidences.

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.

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!

Great Talk 🎉

Hello Andrew! ❤

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! ☘️

Informative, poignant, funny, compassionate and brilliant pod cast.

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.

What an amazingly insightful kid.

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

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.

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

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

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 KZfaq all that well, so outside of leaving a comment on both your and his KZfaq 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.

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.

You seem like a beautiful soul, inside and out. I honour your bravery to step out... into the unknown. May you be provided for and find your feet in the world outside Hassidim brother.

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.

bless this soul!!!

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

Good luck Joseph.

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

Amazing young man. Wish him all the best

Your a very brave young man. I pray your future is wonderful. You deserve the best. Xx

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

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.

Well Done for your courageous journey to achieve your freedom from these people. It sounds horrifically emotionally/psychological abuses.

Bless you Joseph. I pray Divine intervention in your situation. It was moving listening to you. It was very disturbing hearing about the level of control you were exposed to. I pray for a better, free‐er, way more fulfilling journey though this world. Strength dear Joseph. Bev

Hi to all the goldies ❤

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.

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

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.

I’m confused on how he’s planning to get Swiss citizenship? Doesn’t one of his grandparents or parents have to be born in Switzerland in order for him to be eligible for Swiss citizenship? He said he’s 3rd generation born in the US, which means his grandparents, parents, and himself are all born in the US, therefore making him ineligible for Swiss citizenship by ancestry since his family has been in the US for several generations already? Or did I get something wrong? Unless he’s planning on actually moving over there and waiting 10 years to get citizenship - which would be hard since he doesn’t have a proper education or money. 😕

Aw he's adorable. He'll do well once he's settled in somewhere.