Israel van Dorsten Sheds Light on Cult Dynamics in New Documentary Series

Israel van Dorsten, who gained notoriety after escaping a secluded life in Ruinerwold, Netherlands, is now turning his experience into a platform for understanding the complexities of cults and isolated communities. His new documentary series, “Klinkt als een Sekte” (Sounds Like a Cult), premieres on March 12, 2026, and aims to explore how these groups form, how individuals turn into entangled within them, and the path towards regaining freedom.

From Ruinerwold to Advocate

For 25 years, Israel van Dorsten lived with his family in isolation on a farm in Ruinerwold, under the strict control of his father, Gerrit Jan van Dorsten. His father held extreme religious beliefs, even believing himself to be the Messiah . Israel escaped in 2019 at the age of 25 and sought help in a nearby village. Recognizing his own experience as being within a cult, he now seeks to help others understand and navigate similar situations.

“Klinkt als een Sekte”: Exploring Closed Communities

The four-part series “Klinkt als een Sekte” features Israel van Dorsten meeting with former members of other isolated groups. The series delves into the creation of closed systems, the mechanisms that draw people in, and the challenges of breaking free . Van Dorsten describes the intensity and suffering experienced by individuals in these groups as “shocking,” even for someone who lived through a similar ordeal .

Returning to Ruinerwold

Recently, Israel and his brother Edino van Dorsten revisited the farm in Ruinerwold. Whereas acknowledging that the location held positive memories, Israel noted that his trauma stemmed more from his father’s actions than the physical place itself . Edino, who had not lived on the farm, expressed a sense of missing out on those years spent with his family .

Where to Watch

“Klinkt als een Sekte” is available for streaming on NPO Start and airs weekly at 8:25 PM on NPO 3, starting Thursday, March 12, 2026 .