From Syrian refugee to mayor in Germany - Ryyan Alshebl’s inspirational journey | DW Documentary
In 2015 Ryyan Alshebl fled Syria. Now, he’s the mayor of a German village. When he arrived in his adoptive home after a dramatic escape, he didn’t speak a word of German. How did he make this remarkable transition?
Syrian national Ryyan Alshebl was elected mayor of the southern German village of Ostelsheim in early April 2023, at the age of 29. The appointment sparked great international interest. He says he was approached for interviews by more than 100 media outlets, including the BBC. Alshebl fled Syria in 2015 to avoid military service. Once in Germany, he began to learn the language, trained as an administrative assistant and took German citizenship.
After working for seven years at the town hall in the neighboring village of Althengstett, he decided to run for the post of Mayor of Ostelsheim - and won the election with an absolute majority of 55.41 per cent. The documentary tells the story of Alshebl’s escape from Syria and his political success in Germany.
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Germany needs people like this Syrian: he learned the language of his host country, respects its culture without denying his own, and he is for the free, democratic basic order. Respect to the citizens who placed their trust in him.
He should work for the government, he has the valuable experience as refugee.
Unfortunately, he belongs to 0,01% of those Arabs who came here. The Arab clans, in Germany etc are the negative example. The main reason are also his parents, his father was agriculture engineer, even his mother was a teacher who didn't wear a Hijab., which causes more social exclusion within European/German society. They were probably non-practicing Muslim or not a Muslim at all in Syria.
@@romeob.8369 There are 7000 syrian doctors in Germany.. and about 20% of syrians in Germany have higher in education .. 50% of syrians refugees who came traumatised from war are working and paying taxes... syrians who came for their families and have no safe place elsewhere are just seeking security physically and psychologically.. Though we are arab speaking or arabs in some definition, we are syrians and we have our own charachtaristica.. it really provokes me how "SOME" germans are not even able to identify us and always put us in catagories, which shows they don't understand and don't care about understanding who we are.. anyway we are thankful to Germany for hosting us ❤
Who told you that Syrians do not want democracy? The Syrians wanted democracy to return to Syria after the Assad family destroyed it. In democracy, I certainly have the right to oppose ideas that I do not agree with for religious or humanitarian reasons, in the case of Palestine, and this does not prevent integration, respect for the law, and democracy and defending it is required. You have the right to be an opponent of homosexuality and Israel, while at the same time protecting democracy and the rule of law. Your comment indicates that you believe that all Syrians do not want democracy. The only thing I can believe you about is the language of the country. Any European country has the right to preserve its language. Integration into the culture of any country requires time, even Turkey, which shares a religion, and the Gulf, which shares a language. Every individual needs integration into its society, its laws, and the values of its people, and it is not an exclusive case in Europe.
@@zaale5242ethen he should go back to Syria and rebuild
I met a young Syrian woman a few years ago. I saw her learning German all the time. But she didn't dare to speak German. At some point she asked me to help her learn German. I looked at her German lessons, they were legal texts and official German. I looked at her puzzled: "Since when have you been learning German?" "Since a year ago, when I came here!" She had a barely audible accent, and her grammar and pronunciation were better than mine. No one impressed me more than her.🤯
Hadn't come across something as beautiful as this in a long time. Love & Blessings for you both
Not a guarantee if she respects your country's customs and traditions as well. Learning a language is a compulsion to be able to do anything.
@@Rdlacveg If someone learns a completely new foreign language on their own initiative, within a year, and speaks and writes it perfectly, they seem to be very motivated! For some, of course, this is still not enough!🙄
If a non German speaker learns German for only one year and her pronunciation and grammar is better than you (which I don’t believe a non German’s pronunciation, after a certain age, could be better than a German who was born in Germany and spoke German since birth) then, I’m sorry but, you should be ashamed of yourself.
@@arnodobler1096After a certain age it’s not possible to Doran a foreign language like a native speaker. It has got nothing to do with learning. After your early teens, the chance of learning to speak a new language without an accent is vanishingly small. Not only the speech sounds but also the rhythm and intonation will give you away. The ability to learn a new language like a native speaker diminishes with age, but the exact age varies among individuals. Generally, the critical period for language acquisition is believed to end around puberty, which is roughly around the age of 12-13. After this age, it becomes more challenging to attain native-like proficiency in a new language, although it is still possible to become highly proficient with dedicated effort and practice, but not the pronunciation.
His language learning skill alone is just so impressive, no accent at all.
Accent is one thing learning the language is it.
He probably spoke it already.
He born in germany. THIS WHOLE fake story so that migrant go work and pay tax
so u accepting people only if they are just like you ? do u accept different people mister aryan ?
@@arfaouisami2955 I have no idea what you mean? I was just impressed at his language learning skill because German is not easy, it could also be Turkish or Korean, I never knew someone could react so defensively, as if your ethnicity was mocked or something. You must have some kind of esteem issue, or am I getting the meaning wrong.
As a German, his german skills are outstanding and well above the norm 🔥 bravo
Save ur country brthr
He born in germany tgis whole story is altered
I am German and tracking the development in German and over the world actually with sadness and concern. This docu makes me so happy and hopeful I want to cry… This guy seems to be such a beautiful human being, and the fact of being chosen by this small German community to be their major, makes me proud of being a German ❤
Bravo, for your open-minded, many immigrants with love our adopted countries many times more in comparison to their own citizens and want to serve our new nations. 🙏🏽❤️
Give him your house and money
@@AlmostStoneHeart racist!
Awosome ... Bravo Germany ...
This isn't only about a refugee becoming a mayor, its also about a populace welcoming and working with him and looking past prejudices. its inspiring story for other countries
It' also about the locals pragmatism. No mater where he's from or what his history was, he'll has the skills for the job. Chapeau!
well noted.
no its not
It takes a broad-minded and kind-hearted village to raise an inspiring leader ❤ beautiful story! Alles Gute, Germany! 🇩🇪 Danke, DW! 💙
I think I'm in love with Mayor Ryyan Alshebl, what a kind and genuine young man.🥰❤️ He will no doubt serve his community well.
Forget about it, it's our guy. ;)
Best example of swabian pragmatism: This humble and smart man was the best one for the community. So he got the job. I think his german skills combined with the glimpse of swabian dialect was helpful
Imagine a foreigner in any arab country trying to be a mayor, impossible.
Sounds like you are vers happy about this refugee becoming a mayor!
There are hardly any really democratic countries there, unfortunately.
LOL first mayor of Jordan capital Amman was a migrant from Circassia
No....but we invaded and colonised them for centuries (European knights held Syria). At least, he was elected, people were free not to vote for him. We took it by force. A lot of Arabic countries are not countries where you can actually vote freely, so the argument is not valid yet.
@@emmanuilushka Circassia is same as Jordan culturally and religiously 🤨
Congratulations to you Mayor,from refugee to Mayor at 29 yrs in Germany,thank you for sharing,awesome story
Great story. When I was a student, I helped a little boy from turkey with his homework (paid in Mama's Börek) because he was doing very poorly at school. 35 years later I saw him again, he had three children, a nice family and a good job. It just takes support from everyone and then little plants bloom in secret, where you would never have expected them to be.
He has at least proven himself: he has learnt another language, adapted to a different culture, opened himself to others and it takes incredible courage to travel to Germany the way he did...not just hopping on a plane. He must have so viel trauma from this journey alone. If I compare him to somebody like Rishi Sunak or Boris Johnson whose lives were always made easy... I also admire the Ostelsheim people for their wonderful pragmatism and fairness! I am impressed by all the people concerned. And then, he has a beautiful smile, smiling eyes.
The only thing he's proved is he's prepared to abandon his country and family and illegally enter another country to avoid military service. He's a draft dodger, plain and simple. Nothing to be proud of.
Ryan u just proved GOOGLE wrong it says it takes 30 Years to speak like a local speaker..u did it in 8 yrs..unbelievable..🎉 bless u! 🇮🇳
He has mukasad
This is called democracy. India needs this today. Irrespective of religion, nationality we choose our politicians who will work for the betterment of people.
I hope India changes
It already has..... Same here. People from ground can also become PM and President. All democracy are different and have there own issues
U even been to india lately?
And Muslim countries don’t need this faltu ka gyaan?
We had muslim presidents in India.
What a wonderful young man. Congratulations Mr. Burg Meister, and citizens of Ostelsheim, you did the right thing. Warm regards from Portugal ❤
Language and socialization with locals is key. He learned German very well and worked voluntarily in his community as an administrative assistant . Very nice guy and Ostelsheim has a very committed and intelligent mayor.
The person has a gentle and pleasant personality. I can see him being impressionable. I have never been to Germany but find Germans in general quite cold in countries I have met. Hence I must say, his perseverance to overcome such obstacles, admirable.
@@unatwomey7112 It's absolutely true. The most of my really best Friends are all Germans. Greetings from Poland.
We Germans are direct and don't like small talk, which may come across as rude. Hard shell, soft core.
Unfortunately, he belongs to 0,01% of those Arabs who came here. The Arab clans, in Germany etc are the negative example. The main reason are also his parents, his father was agriculture engineer, even his mother was a teacher who didn't wear a Hijab., which causes more social exclusion within European/German society. They were probably non-practicing Muslim or not a Muslim at all in Syria.
@@romeob.8369Well he said he is druze and The Druze are an ethnoreligious group concentrated in Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine with around one million adherents worldwide and they are not muslims , so I don't think your racism works in this case buddy😒
This history made me crying! I wish to Ryan all the best in his life. I am an emigrant by myself, in the '90s we Albanians were the Syrians. We had to cross the Adriatic for a better life. 3 years ago I met a Syrian shopper that made Tirana his new home for his family. I hugged him, on his eyes I saw my father! God bless you. We need people like you!
Now I want to visit this town. So hearth warming. ❤I am crying of joy from seeing things like this. Congratulations Mr. mayor.
Ryyan is such an inspirational person. Hes so humble This story makes me believe there's still so much good in this world.
Very inspiring story 🙌👏👏🫂, l wish him well...Germans have offered him a chance and their kindness for him to truly do the job bravo 👏👏
Inspiring after hearing abuse by Syrians of German ladies
Excellent documentary! I love it! What a beautiful story. 🌷
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
@@DWDocumentary Thanks for reemission old stuff.
Master a language in 8 years, incredible! God bless Germany, Syria and Ryyan!
My heart fills with joy as I am watching this. Such an inspiration. It's just incredible. ❤
Germany can be the country of opportunities, well done 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Am stunned to see that Germany is that open to let a refugee be its Mayor❤. Thumps to the Voters. We all Brothers & Sisters❤
He is so open and honest. i think that why he is admired. Such a big achievement.
I am impressed by his language skills.
Congratulations. Very nice, heart-warming story. All the best and good luck to the newly elected mayor.
It's a wonderful documentary about someone becoming a mayor and wagering elections competition ... good luck to everyone serving people in faithfulness and sufficient capability... thanks for sharing
I really appreciate all the childhood memories he shares throughout the documentary.
DW - great job. We need more stories like this. Make them local. We learn through examples. ❤️ The fact that you learned of this, and took the time to document this…. Kudos. Great job.
Thanks for watching and for the feedback!
Very inspiring, great work done by the German people and Mayor Ryyan Alshebl :)
This is the face of success. Adapt, mingle, stay positive, respect local culture, absorb positive aspects of the environment above all perseverance, feeling of oneness with countrymen.
I am so happy for my beloved Syrian Ryyan may he be blessed
So inspiring! Congratulations! Work hard and succeed!
as an immigrant this gives me hope.
How i wish all refugees are like him who easily adopt the environment they’re living in. Being a mayor is not an easy job but he still chose to serve the people and the country that gave him home and new life. BRAVO!
Life is unpredictable, you don't know what future hold ahead of you, this young man story is inspiring so many ways Mr Ryyan.
Alshebl sounds 100% like a name in the local dialect!
Ya, das habe ich auch gedacht. Aehnlich Obama's name in Irland, who sie ihn mit viel Waerme O'Bama nannten!!
Thank you for this!!
Thanks for watching!
This is the beauty of democracy which countries like Syria, Iran, Venezuela, North Korea fail to understand. Had he been in his ancestral land in Syria, he would have been persecuted by this time. One thing is important-where you live, get go with the local culture, be one of them. Really inspirational...
Agreed
As a draft dodger he would likely have faced a firing squad.
And India.
No Islamic nation understands democracy. Not even a single.
You should include China and Russia
This is indeed a great example of "tolerance, openness and cooperation". Way to go Germany!
An example of turning Germany into Brazil 🇧🇷 Germany was great because it was full of Germans that’s it
Proud of his courage, go on dear Ryyan, wishing you the best future for you and for people of your town, Hope you listen the needy one and help them with Kind heart.💜💜💜💜
Excited to see him work, i am going to follow this man, very inspiring story
People in the comments saying He looks white, need to realize He looks Mediterranean. Keep your American definition of race for yourself. Mediterranean people come in many shades. Divided by nationality, united by olive oil ❤
DW you always bring exceptional heart touching documentaries.
So inspiring
Inspiring!
eine wunderbare doku.
beautiful story. :)
So beautiful, keep going
What a beautiful story congratulations ryyan!!
I am in tears , it’s so beautiful story. I am very happy for Him and for Germany people as well. He is very good inspiration for others refugees, how to live and to learn in new hosts countries . Again congratulations and well done. Keep going for your right, for the people, for new country. Greeting from Sweden
The people of Ostelsheim trusted in him, and yet some random weirdos online doesn't? Btw, congratulations to Ryyan!
Hopefully he'll be profoundly respectful and committed to the position he's been voted and trusted with by your people. Ostersheim is an wonderful city with many nicest people I've met.
Typical online anonymity and ignorant behaviour. That’s on line for you.
He is single and has more chance than the men with families to be voted for. It is the same effect like singers, actors. They get more fans if people in the world think that they are singles.
@@thiphan264 In politics, that's not really the case.
@@arnodobler1096 The other candidates have qualification too and they are true Germans, but married. He is younger, good looking and single, has time for politics.
Human beings are the most valuable resource a country can have. It's all about how we nurture and develop them.
Ugh
I’m watching the entire video - great job! And I mean it.
I‘m so inspired and motivated by this young Man, now Mayor to strive even more and give back more to the society. German language is not easy and we celebrate you, it can be quite challenging especially if the locals don’t welcome you or if you also isolate from the locals. Togetherness and tolerance makes life easier and interesting because we’re all from different backgrounds. You can see this young man values and respects both cultures. Proud of him🎉. I’m also integrated and just finished my 3 year Nursing Training, it wasn’t easy but worth it ❤️🙏🏾
Very inspirational!
Amazing story 🙌👏
What a beautiful story ,indeed a good people given opportunity they will do an amazing job no one can believe it
Ive watched this documentary months ago in german, and since my German is not really good i might've missed the conversations. It's nice to watch it again with english voice over. 😅 Congratulations Mayor!
Great job DW as always! Well done to the German village community who puts their trust on this amazing guy(refugee) as Mayor and I’m sure that he will not disappoint them✌🏽. I know some Syrian guys personally and they are very good people and serious about their jobs. Good luck to you Sir🤞🏽✌🏽!!!
Thanks for watching and for the feedback!
What a beautiful story of this gentleman Ryyan. It only proves where there is a will there is always a way!! Thanks also to the local people in having that open mindedness of accepting and giving an opportunity to a person who is not originally from their place but believing in his vision and good intentions to make a change for a better future of the local people.I wish this gentleman all the very best for his future and also thank him for living an inspiring story to share with the world. God bless good people who wish to keep this world a better place
Good story! Good man!
Very nice!
i loved this!
Due to Islamiphobia, being practising muslim would have diminished his chances of becoming a mayor, even with fluent Germany and Caucasian appearance. For me, as a practising muslim, I would rather retain my Islamic faith and core practices. But wish him the best in serving his community.
Inspirational!
Incredible story
This is so great to see. A good example of what dedication and hardwork can do. Congratulations to Rayan, I hope he does a great job as the mayor. Wish him all the best. Huge Respect for the former Mayor who helped Rayan, first get in the school and that literally get elected. Also I have big respect for everyone who help refugees settle in and build a new life for themselves, they are the real heroes 👏
Well done bro❤
By the optics, Ryyan looks really humble and kind. Understandable as how he was chosen as a leader.
Yet another quality film on this channel, beautiful artwork included! Also, compared to how the Brits are plotting to send refugees off to Rwanda, this surely is a story of inspiration, hope, the residents' pragmatism and the new mayor's passion and desire, among many other of his qualities. Really wish it will be a success story.
There is a party on the rise in Germany. The name of this party is AFD. The leaders and members of this party are against the immigration of foreigners.
There is a refugee from Syrie, who dies because of German police. Not every people have luck in Germany. If someone meets the persons who are against them, it could be end in a tragic way.
Ein toller Mann, großartig, was er geleistet hat. Ich hoffe, seiner Familie in Syrien geht es gut.
What a great documentary! I have the belief that if you believe in yourself, you are capable of doing anything! Dream big! I have for the longest time, had the desire to write a book. But not just one, but two! Writing from my heart. I believe that some day, I will! After watching this entire documentary, I can understand now, why it wasn’t Ryyan’s desire to go to war for his country. He knew deep inside, he had SO MUCH to give! This town in Germany is blessed to have him! From Mary..an old woman in the US🇺🇸
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
It is also greatness of that country .talent without opportunities is waste
Nice guy, very special in striving for higher goals and overcoming obstacles. However, his caucasian appearance, the very good German he speaks, and his ability to integrate his 'identity' into the German culture, are the key facts so he could become mayor. Any of these components changed or left out and the herd turns against him. Growing up not far from there, I know this mentality so well. If he is clever, he uses the plasma to learn about life in this country whilst finding his own true path.
yes but... It also shows that we should let go of our prejudices regarding the way Arabs look. In my experience (having taught refugees and asylum seekers for 12 years), a lot of people have looks that will not make them stand out at all.
He is clever, and I am sure that he is fully aware that it is his commitment to German culture that got him the job! We have mayors of African (Mahgreb or sub-saharan) origin in France, but so far, no refugee. Well done Germany!!
I love this channel! Mary from🇺🇸❤️🥰🙏👍
Amazing story
Hat off Germany, DW that is inspiring, pls do more documentaries like this...we need one about the Syrian drs in Germany, they are doing a very good job as well
Thank you for watching and for your positive feedback. 😊
Congratulations 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
There is no such thing as a perfect country but you must admit that Germany is way ahead in many areas.
That's really cool actually
Proud of you ❤
A good example, but a rare and exceptional one. In many parts of germany, the people tent to fall back to the mid 30's of the last century.
Would love to have English subtitles.
English subtitles are available for you to activate
and that's how it works !!!!! if you want to migrate to a country, you MUST fit in the culture, respect it, adopt it, work hard, obey the laws, learn the language and blend in! No one will have the excuse then to reject you unless they are purely racist indeed.
I love this guy
It's amazing. Congratulations to him and to the people who elected him.
What a wonderful story ❤so thankful that this really happened. This makes our world really to a better place. A lot of greetings to you all out there.
Good luck to U. Hope you will make good use of your life experience.
Nice adventure even with some struggles
❤❤❤❤❤❤
Have meet some really wonderful people from Syria! This seems to be another great man!
We should also admire the generosity of the German who with open arms accept people with different background to be integrated in this free society.
Thanks for this uplifting story. In these days of political animosity, it's great to see an example of democracy at its best. Congratulations to Ryyan and the people of Ostelsheim..
Wish him all the best!
He looks like Steve Jobs who is actually a Syrian.
Steve Jobs dad was Syrian I believe
This is very inspiring to all the immigrants in Germany. Hats off to the Mr Alshebl and hats off to the people of the town.
At the same time, there is a German who is the mayor of Timisoara, Transylvania, Romania. Dominic Samuel Fritz (born 28 December 1983) is a German-born politician who has been serving as the mayor of Timișoara since 2020, following the latest Romanian local elections. A member of the Save Romania Union, he is the only mayor in Romania without Romanian citizenship. This should be normal everywhere, supporting good people who want to do a good job instead of supporting someone who's got the connections, the right religion etc...