A few words
About Us
Goals of the Initiative
The Bayt Initiative was created to offer a space where stories, data, and lived experiences come together to challenge misconceptions about migrants in Austria. “Bayt,” meaning home in Arabic, reflects our belief that everyone, regardless of where they come from, deserves dignity, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
History
The Story Behind Bayt.
My story begins in 2007, when I was born in Germany and, within the same year, moved to Argentina. Growing up between different cultures from the very beginning shaped how I see the world. It meant adapting quickly, finding my place in unfamiliar environments, and understanding early on that “home” can shift and change. These first experiences taught me empathy for anyone who has ever had to rebuild their life somewhere new.
In 2012, I moved again, this time to Texas in the United States. I didn’t speak the language, so everything from school to everyday conversations had to be learned from scratch. I spent eight important years there, and although it became home, I never forgot how overwhelming it felt at first. Then in 2020, I migrated to Austria, and once again I faced the same challenges: learning a new language, navigating a new culture, and trying to belong. These experiences, repeated throughout my life, made me realize how deeply migration affects every part of a person’s identity.
Because of this, I understand the struggles many migrants face, especially in Austria, where a large portion of newcomers come from Middle Eastern backgrounds and often face stereotypes or prejudice. That is why I created the Bayt Initiative in 2025. “Bayt,” meaning home in Arabic, reflects my goal: to challenge misconceptions, share real stories, provide accessible information, and build understanding within communities. As someone who has lived the migrant experience repeatedly, I want this platform to help others feel seen, supported, and understood.
Our Values
- Empathy – We approach every story with an open mind, listening to the experiences of migrants rather than speaking over them.
- Truth – We confront misinformation with clear, accessible facts that help reshape public understanding about migration.
- Dignity – We believe every person deserves to be treated with respect, no matter where they come from or what language they speak.
- Community – We aim to build connections, between migrants, allies, and organizations, that create a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.