Draft:Ryyan Alshebl (Mayor)

Ryyan Alshebl (born 1994 or 1995) is a Syrian-born German politician who currently serves as the mayor of Osthim, Germany.

Alshebl fled his home in Southern Syria as a refugee in 2015. . He arrived in Osthim and lived in a refugee shelter for nine months. Alshebl eventually learned German and was hired as a graphic designer by the town council.

Alshebl was encouraged to run for mayor by Clemens Gz, a local businessman. Alshebl's campaign focused on his ability to perform the job and his desire to represent all of the people of Osthim, regardless of background. Alshebl won the election in April 2023 with 55.4% of votes

Early Life

Alshebl grew up in a volcanic region of Syria called Jebel al-Druze. His hometown has a population of 10,000 people and sits at an elevation of approximately 900 meters above sea level. Alshebl describes himself as having been a good student in his early years, but his academic performance declined throughout high school.

Flight from Syria

In 2015, Alshebl fled Syria with a group of friends due to the Syrian Civil War. The group traveled to Turkey and then hired a smuggler to take them to Greece by boat. The journey was dangerous and overcrowded, and Alshebl credits this experience with giving him the perseverance to deal with later challenges in his life.

Life in Germany

After arriving in Germany, Alshebl spent nine months living in a refugee shelter. He eventually learned German and was hired as a graphic designer by the town council of Osthim. Alshebl became involved in the local community and helped to improve the town's social media presence.

Political Career

Clemens Gz, a local businessman, convinced Alshebl to run for mayor of Osthim. Alshebl's campaign focused on his ability to perform the job and his desire to represent all of the people of Osthim, regardless of background. Alshebl won the election in April 2023.

Alshebl believes that integration should be a two-way street, and that recent immigrants should not be stereotyped into certain jobs. He hopes to use his position as mayor to create a more inclusive community.