The Netherlands is confronting a hidden landscape of isolated communities and closed religious movements, a reality brought into sharp focus by the experiences of Israel van Dorsten, one of the “children of Ruinerwold.” Van Dorsten, who spent 25 years living in strict isolation with his family in the village of Ruinerwold, is now using his experience to shed light on the dynamics of sects and the challenges faced by those who leave them. A new documentary series, “Klinkt als een Sekte” (Sounds Like a Sect), premiering on March 12, 2026, offers a deeper look into this often-overlooked phenomenon.
Van Dorsten’s story gained international attention in 2019 when he escaped the remote farm where he lived with his brother and four sisters, under the control of their father. He discovered, upon leaving, that he had been raised within a sect, a realization that prompted him to understand how such systems develop and how individuals become entangled within them. The new series, streaming fully on NPO Start and airing weekly on NPO 3 at 8:25 PM, sees Van Dorsten connecting with others who have lived within similar isolated groups, seeking to understand the common threads and the path towards freedom. According to Van Dorsten, the intensity and suffering experienced by people in closed groups is often beyond comprehension, even for someone who lived through it firsthand.
The Hidden Prevalence of Closed Communities
The series aims to address a critical point: the belief that sects are a thing of the past is a dangerous underestimation. Van Dorsten emphasizes that the Netherlands is home to dozens of closed (faith-based) movements, many of which operate under the radar. This realization came after his own escape and subsequent reflection on his upbringing. He now recognizes that his experience isn’t unique, and that the factors leading to involvement in such groups are more prevalent than many realize, particularly in a climate of increasing polarization. As AD.nl reports, Van Dorsten warns that the impact of this is often underestimated.
Exploring the Dynamics of Control
“Klinkt als een Sekte” delves into the mechanisms of control employed by these groups, examining how they isolate individuals from external influences – school, friends, and societal oversight – and how this isolation contributes to the formation of a closed system. The series features interviews with former members of four different isolated groups, providing a diverse range of perspectives on the experience of being within such an environment. Van Dorsten’s personal journey serves as a powerful anchor for these stories, allowing viewers to connect with the emotional and psychological toll of living under strict control. The series explores not only how these groups come into being, but similarly what is required to break free and rebuild a life outside of their influence.
The series also touches upon the deceptive nature of these groups, highlighting how they can initially appear benevolent before gradually exerting increasing control over their members. Van Dorsten recounts his own experience of initially perceiving his father’s authority as protective, before realizing the extent of the manipulation and isolation. This gradual erosion of autonomy is a common theme among those who have left similar communities, and “Klinkt als een Sekte” aims to expose the subtle tactics used to maintain control. TVgids.nl notes that Van Dorsten was shocked by the intensity of the suffering he heard from other former members.
A Series Rooted in Personal Experience
Israel van Dorsten’s involvement in the series is deeply personal. Having experienced the trauma of isolation and control firsthand, he brings a unique level of empathy and understanding to the stories of others. His journey from escaping Ruinerwold to becoming an advocate for those affected by sects demonstrates the possibility of healing and reclaiming one’s life. Het Parool highlights that Van Dorsten initially believed his family’s situation was unique, but quickly learned that this was not the case.
“Klinkt als een Sekte” is poised to spark a crucial conversation about the prevalence and impact of closed communities in the Netherlands. By sharing the stories of those who have escaped, the series aims to raise awareness, offer support, and empower individuals to recognize the warning signs of manipulation and control. The series’ premiere on March 12th marks an important step in bringing these hidden experiences into the light and fostering a greater understanding of the complex dynamics at play within these groups. As the series unfolds, it will be important to follow the discussions it generates and the potential impact it has on raising awareness and providing support to those affected by sects.
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