DANIELLE BONNEY

While I am not familiar with Monsey, I grew up very near to Kiryas Joel. I have always been fascinated by this culture and remember asking my Mom when I was a young girl why the women didn't just leave. Having worked as a personal care aide (covering someone's vacation), I was able to go into the village and care for an elderly woman for 2 days. She was so sweet and was just as curious about me as I was about her. She asked me if I drove a car and if I was in school learning "with boys.". One day when I left, there were 5 women all asking me for rides into the town. I think one of the issues that is so hard for me to understand is that if you leave the community, as Julia did, you are most likely not supported, and you are alone. I know the KJ community does not allow women to obtain college degrees, and I have never known of the women to be chasing anything other than babies...and alot of them. So what Julia and her family have done is very brave, and difficult. The episode in which she helped (I think her name was Sara), come out of Monsey and into NYC to see what life could be like had me in tears. Not sure why all the negative reviews, because behind all the money and fancy clothes is someone who had to jump ship to save herself, and now in the process is extending herself above and beyond to a 19 year old that she doesn't even know who is thinking of doing the same. Also very touching is how her ex seems to be accepting things and they are both navigating having a son still living and learning hasidism. Lastly, Robert find your birth Mom. You are incredible, and I believe you when you say it will not change how you feel about your family. You have the right to try.