In a city as loud, fast and politically charged as New York, everyone seems to have something to say. From subway ads promoting political candidates to heated discussions over coffee, politics is not just a topic of conversation, but embedded within the city’s culture. When the city voices are constant and competing, it’s easy for people’s voices to get lost in the shuffle and feel as if their opinions are silent and insignificant.
But when you pause and listen beyond the noise, there’s a quieter story playing out, especially among the city’s younger residents: a mixture of frustration, hope, skepticism and a growing desire to be heard. This openness to dialogue is something many people in the city crave, especially at a time when political polarization often makes headlines.
At Yeshiva University, students are watching the political climate around them unfold closely. Their focus is less on winning arguments and more on joining conversations that often happen without them. A broader concern among the younger generation is that young people are politically active and informed, but often feel dismissed by those in power. Even with a history of grassroots and youth-led movements, New York City still leaves many students feeling like they’re screaming into a void. “It feels like the people in charge don’t always listen or take young voices seriously — like we’re loud, but not always heard where it counts,” Nechama Jacobowitz (SCW ‘26) told the YU Observer.
However, some think this is changing. “Seeing people who genuinely want to talk to people who believe differently than them gives me hope when thinking about the next generation of NYC,” Galit Roth (SCW ‘27) told the YU Observer. “There’s something special about seeing people disagree respectfully. That’s what politics should look like.”
Aliza Coronel (SCW ‘27) sees a similar shift. “Seeing political awareness on the rise in this generation is refreshing to see!” she told the YU Observer. People are paying attention. They know who their local representatives are, they show up to protests, they read about bills and they vote. But that wasn’t always the case.
Zohran Mamdani’s recent victory in the recent New York City Democratic mayoral primary was mainly powered by Gen Z voters. His bold and energetic messaging helped push 18-29 year old voters to the polls, and he’s hoping to carry the youthful and enthusiastic energy into the next few months.
Coronel noted how easy access to news — whether through social media, podcasts or student-led newsletters — has made political involvement more natural and less intimidating.
However, not every student sees this growing awareness translating into action. The tone of the city’s political climate feels hypocritical to some, who watch public figures often promote broad values but fall short when it comes to their own accountability. “They preach responsibility for others yet compassion for themselves,” Nissim Farhy (YC ‘27) told the YU Observer.
The tension between speaking and doing is not new to New York politics. But it feels more present than ever in an era when public figures are scrutinized online and political loyalties can shift with a trending tweet.
At the same time, students recognize that New York City is unique in its political diversity. With over 8 million residents from every walk of life, the city is a political home for every kind of activist, politician and citizen, all existing within the same five boroughs.
That diversity can be inspiring yet overwhelming. “There are so many voices in this city,” Jacobowitz said. “It’s powerful, but sometimes it’s hard to know who’s really being heard.” She added that being politically engaged as a student can feel like a double-edged sword. “You want to care, you want to help, but sometimes the system feels too big to change.”
Still, students are finding ways to participate, especially in Yeshiva University. From interning for city council members to volunteering at shelters, they are learning that political involvement doesn’t have to mean running for office; it can start with showing up.
Whether through hope, critique or action, Yeshiva University students are adding their voices to the city’s ongoing political conversation. One that continues to evolve with every news cycle, every protest, every vote.
“I think people underestimate how much this generation cares,” Coronel said. “We’re not apathetic. We just want to be taken seriously.”
Photo Caption: New York City
Photo Credit: Photo by Triston Dunn on Unsplash