More than one million Berliners have an international history. They bring knowledge, experience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that can strengthen our democracy and society. WahlheYmat connects them in a growing community of international Berliners — creating platforms that connect people, encourage participation and build bridges across communities.
Together with partners from civil society, media and public institutions, we organise discussions, publish independent information and develop innovative projects for a more inclusive, collaborative and international society.
Berlin is international. Democracy not yet.
We all belong here. Diverse voices tell the complete truth.
Story
Wahlheymat was launched on the International Day of Democracy, September 15, 2023, as a community-driven grassroots initiative.
We founded WahlheYmat e.V. 1st of March 2024 and in the same year we got the non profit status.
Wahlheymat seeks to create an atmosphere where diversity is celebrated and unity is achieved through:
- Inclusion and Equality: Ensuring that all cultural groups have the right to express themselves and participate equally in societal, political, and economic life.
- Mutual Respect: Promoting understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures while actively working to reduce prejudice through dialogue and education.
- Social Integration Without Assimilation: Creating a shared sense of belonging while empowering individuals and communities to maintain their distinct cultural practices and traditions.
The Reality We Face
Berlin is already an international city. One in three Berliners was born abroad, and nearly one million people living here cannot vote in city elections. As Berlin becomes even more diverse, we need new ways for everyone who lives here to participate, connect and have a voice.
WahlheYmat wants to help build that future: a more open, connected and participatory democracy that reflects the Berlin of today — and tomorrow.
Vision
Our vision is an inclusive, collaborative and international society in Berlin.
We imagine a city where everyone who calls Berlin home can participate, contribute and belong. A city where everyone has an equal opportunity to shape its future and take part in the decisions that affect their lives.
We believe newcomers are not a challenge to democracy. They are an opportunity to renew it.
An international city with an international democracy.
We imagine Berlin designed around people—not only around buildings and infrastructure.
Together, we have developed six visions of what this could look like:
- Long Community Tables – neighbourhoods where people meet, share meals and make decisions together.
- Community Rooftop Gardens – green spaces that bring neighbours together.
- Multigenerational Schools – places where people of all ages learn from one another.
- Community Service Stores – local spaces where residents exchange skills, services and support.
- Intercultural Community Spaces – places where Berlin’s diversity becomes everyday life.
- Mixed Housing Solutions – neighbourhoods where people of different backgrounds and generations live side by side.
Projects
WahlheYmat develops ideas, builds partnerships and creates platforms that strengthen participation, belonging and democracy in Berlin.
Some projects are already running. Others are pilot initiatives or concepts that we are developing together with partners. Every project shares the same ambition: to make Berlin a more inclusive, collaborative and international city.
Current platforms
Funded Programmes
2024
European Union Elections Campaign
A citywide information and participation campaign encouraging EU citizens in Berlin to vote in the European elections.
2025
WahlheYmatPost Launch Campaign
Launching Berlin’s first English-language newsletter about participation in cooperation with Berliner Morgenpost.
2026
BerlinWiki
Creating accessible information that helps international Berliners understand and participate in Berlin’s elections.
2026-2027
Bridges Work – Dialogue and Feedback System for Berlin’s Migration Society
Developing new ways for Berlin’s international communities to communicate their experiences, ideas and priorities to public institutions.
Team
WahlheYmat was initiated and co-founded by Ivan Gabor and Barbara Vid, together with Deana Mrkaja and Balázs Dénes.
As a registered non-profit association (gemeinnütziger eingetragener Verein) in Germany, WahlheYmat e.V. was founded by eleven members: Zina Hmidan, Silke Georgi, Gracjanna Daca, Sabine Stengel, Khaled Abdalla and Robin Sontheimer, alongside the four co-founders.
Since then, many others have joined our journey, including Elisa Lange, Walter Phippeny, Michaela Vas and Esther Nass.
WahlheYmat would not exist without the many people, organisations and communities who support us. We are deeply grateful for every contribution, partnership and act of generosity that helps us grow.
Our Structure
WahlheYmat e.V. is governed by its elected Board (Vorstand).
Board Members
Chairman
Dr. Balázs Dénes
Deputy Chairman
Elisa Sena Lange
Member
Khaled Abdalla
Member
Walter Phippeny
Our Contributors
WahlheYmat is built on collaboration. Our projects are made possible by the commitment, expertise and generosity of an amazing community.
Project Lead
Ivan Gabor
Social Media
Deana Mrkaja
NGO Consultancy
Balázs Dénes
WahlheYmatPost
Michaela Vas, Ivan Gabor, Walter Phippeny, Borbála Dévai
WahlheYmat Talks
Elisa Lange, Michaela Vas, Ivan Gabor, Gracjanna Daca
Volunteer Recruitment
Elisa Lange
Graphic Design
Luise Spielhagen, Zina Hmidan
Technical Support & Audio
Khaled Abdalla, Walter Phippeny
Website & Digital Consultancy
Cat Johnson, Walter Phippeny, Khaled Abdalla, Michaela Vas
Communication Consultancy
Bence Bodnar
Research Support
Kate Dearden
General Consultancy
Silke Georgi, Sabine Stengel
Strategy Consultancy
Robin Sontheimer
Join us
We are always looking for new members, volunteers, supporters and partners.
If you would like to contribute to a more inclusive, collaborative and international Berlin, we’d love to hear from you.
