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Orthodox Communities Urge Caution After Viral Video Targets Kiryas Joel

Leaders urge restricted access to communal spaces to reduce the risk of harassment.

Overview

  • Residents report a widely shared video by influencer Tyler Oliveira portraying Hasidic life in hostile terms, prompting private guidance not to engage with outside videographers.
  • Synagogues and yeshivot are being asked to avoid admitting unknown visitors and to instruct members to walk away from cameras rather than respond.
  • Posts tied to the video have drawn a surge of antisemitic comments, heightening fears of harassment and outside agitators.
  • An Instagram post claims Oliveira is investigating Kiryas Joel, with local reports saying he may seek tips about Lakewood, leading leaders to alert residents.
  • Former resident Freide Vizel released a rebuttal arguing the portrayal distorts the community and noting most men work long hours, and Jewish influencer “Clappy” also posted a counter-video as a Yiddish letter circulated urging nonengagement.