From Ground Zero to Muslim Mayor: How New York changed in 25 years since 9/11

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, Lower Manhattan has transformed significantly. The neighborhood is now bustling with office workers, tourists, and new buildings that fill the skyline. For those who lived through the tragedy, the memories are of fear, hearing an airplane overhead, and the sense of unity that briefly brought the city together.

However, these experiences also left a lasting impact, making people more conscious of their safety and contributing to increased distrust and division. Younger New Yorkers, like Sara Bitar, have grown up with the attacks as part of the city's history and remember the resilience of the community in helping one another in the aftermath.

People who were present during the attacks have distinct memories. Dulcie Leimbach, who lived near the World Trade Center, remembers the day's events and the lingering anxiety that resurfaces during commemorations. Jonathan Wachtel, a television producer, vividly recalls the darkness and the feeling of being swallowed by the debris cloud, with the only thought being to find air and shelter.

The site itself has undergone massive reconstruction, with billions invested in new office towers, apartments, transport links, shops, and cultural institutions. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum now attract millions of visitors, symbolizing the city's resilience.

The election of Zohran Mamdani, New York's first Muslim mayor, in January, represents another significant change. For Wachtel, this milestone reflects how far the city has come, moving beyond the suspicion and hostility that Muslim New Yorkers faced in the immediate aftermath of September 11. Overall, New York has evolved in visible and subtle ways, with the city's energy and drive remaining a constant source of amazement.