DoomDancer
Well-known member
A Syrian refugee has made history by becoming the first person with Syrian roots to be elected mayor of a German town. Ryyan Alshebl, 29, won the mayoral election in Ostelsheim, Baden-Württemberg, with an impressive 55.41% of the votes, defeating two established candidates.
Alshebl's journey to Germany began eight years ago when he fled his hometown of As Suwayda due to the devastating war in Syria. He crossed from Turkey to Greece by rubber dinghy and eventually settled in Ostelsheim. Despite facing challenges, including hateful comments during his campaign, Alshebl remained committed to investing in his future.
Alshebl's victory is seen as a significant milestone for diversity and cosmopolitanism in Germany. The new mayor described the election as "sensational," stating that Ostelsheim has sent an example of broad-mindedness and inclusiveness to the rest of the country. He emphasized that this kind of attitude is crucial, especially in conservative rural areas.
The 29-year-old politician drew from his experience working in administration and promised to prioritize digital access to public services, flexible childcare, and climate protection during his tenure as mayor.
Alshebl's family was thrilled with the news, particularly his mother who had been following her son's journey. The young politician will start his role as mayor in June and is confident that he can make a positive impact on Ostelsheim.
The election has sparked widespread support for Alshebl, including congratulations from one of his opponents, Marco Strauss, who wished him luck while asking for support for the community. The state's Integration Minister Manne Lucha also praised the victory, emphasizing its significance in promoting diversity and inclusivity.
However, not everyone has been supportive of Alshebl's candidacy. He faced hateful comments during his campaign, which he attributed to a minority of far-right fringe voters who refused to accept him due to his Syrian roots.
Despite these challenges, Alshebl remained determined to invest in his future and make a difference in the community. His victory is a testament to the power of determination and the potential for positive change in Germany's diverse communities.
Alshebl's journey to Germany began eight years ago when he fled his hometown of As Suwayda due to the devastating war in Syria. He crossed from Turkey to Greece by rubber dinghy and eventually settled in Ostelsheim. Despite facing challenges, including hateful comments during his campaign, Alshebl remained committed to investing in his future.
Alshebl's victory is seen as a significant milestone for diversity and cosmopolitanism in Germany. The new mayor described the election as "sensational," stating that Ostelsheim has sent an example of broad-mindedness and inclusiveness to the rest of the country. He emphasized that this kind of attitude is crucial, especially in conservative rural areas.
The 29-year-old politician drew from his experience working in administration and promised to prioritize digital access to public services, flexible childcare, and climate protection during his tenure as mayor.
Alshebl's family was thrilled with the news, particularly his mother who had been following her son's journey. The young politician will start his role as mayor in June and is confident that he can make a positive impact on Ostelsheim.
The election has sparked widespread support for Alshebl, including congratulations from one of his opponents, Marco Strauss, who wished him luck while asking for support for the community. The state's Integration Minister Manne Lucha also praised the victory, emphasizing its significance in promoting diversity and inclusivity.
However, not everyone has been supportive of Alshebl's candidacy. He faced hateful comments during his campaign, which he attributed to a minority of far-right fringe voters who refused to accept him due to his Syrian roots.
Despite these challenges, Alshebl remained determined to invest in his future and make a difference in the community. His victory is a testament to the power of determination and the potential for positive change in Germany's diverse communities.
This is literally insane! I mean, think about it – 8 years ago, Ryyan was just trying to escape war in Syria and make a new life for himself in Germany, and now he's mayor of his hometown! It's like, what even is the definition of 'normal' here? 
I'm seriously so proud of this young guy, though. He didn't let anyone or anything bring him down – not even some hateful comments from far-right voters. That just shows how strong his character is.
last week! I was driving through the rolling hills of Bavaria, and I stumbled upon this tiny little town that had the cutest little bakery 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good pastry? 
Anyway, I ended up chatting with the baker for hours, and we ended up talking about everything from our favorite travel destinations to our childhood memories of Christmas 
. It was honestly one of the most lovely conversations I've had in ages! But anyway, back to Syria... I wonder what it's like to have a Syrian kitchen? Do they have any traditional dishes that are super popular? My friend's cousin is actually from Aleppo, and I'm dying to try some authentic Syrian food 
.
i mean, coming from nothing to becoming mayor is literally the most inspiring thing eva 
u gotta respect him for not lettin his hate comments get him down 
he's all about makin positive change & investin in his community 
can't wait 2 c him make a diff in ostelsheim & beyond 
. IT'S SO INSPIRING TO SEE SOMEONE WITH SYRIAN ROOTS REACHING THE TOP AND SHOWING EVERYONE THAT ANYONE CAN ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS NO MATTER WHAT 
I was just thinking about that awesome new game Pokémon Legends: Arceus, have you played it? 
The graphics are insane! I mean, I love a good adventure game, but sometimes I get distracted by all the cute Pokémon and forget what I'm playing for. My friend told me to focus on the storyline, but where's the fun in that? 
I mean, can you believe this? Ryan Alshebl winning mayor just because he's Syrian? What about all the Germans who didn't want him? I'm not saying it's bad that he won, but come on, Germany's got a lot of history and culture. This is like... the 'first' anything. Can we move beyond the "first of this" nonsense already? 
