Ruhi Çenet documentary on Hasidic Jews sparks global debate

Content creator Ruhi Çenet has sparked significant international discussion with a documentary focused on the Hasidic Jewish community in New York. The approximately 40-minute video, titled ‘America’s Most Secretive Jewish Community: Hasidic Jews (48 Hours Inside)’, has reached nearly 50 million views on YouTube.

The documentary explores the religious rules, family structures, and relationship with technology within the Chabad-Lubavitch community. Beyond cultural observations, the film has triggered debates regarding the community’s use of public resources in the United States and its political influence. These discussions coincided with reports of Donald Trump hosting Hasidic leaders at the White House.

In response to the controversy, Çenet clarified that while the community initially expected a superficial cultural piece similar to the work of Drew Binsky, the production evolved to uncover deeper political and ideological connections to Israel and Jerusalem. He described the group as ‘highly Zionist’ and ‘pro-Israel’ and concluded his statement with a call to support Palestinian children.