--- title: "New Social Club Emerges in New York City Focused on Dialogue and Discussion" url: https://newscentral.site/new-social-club-emerges-in-new-york-city-focused-on-dialogue/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Style" published: 2026-11-05T22:09:50.000Z updated: 2026-11-06T00:28:35.173Z id: d2010d78-5a28-4213-82c6-d9b8e0a2ae5c source: "GQ https://www.gq.com/story/republicans-democrats-members-club" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/new-social-club-emerges-in-new-york-city-focused-on-dialogue/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # New Social Club Emerges in New York City Focused on Dialogue and Discussion The Bench, a new kind of social club, has brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds and political affiliations to engage in dialogue and discussion. A new kind of social club has emerged in New York City, one that brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds and political affiliations to engage in dialogue and discussion. The Bench, founded two years ago, has quickly become a hub for insiders, with notable attendees including CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The club's membership model is surprisingly affordable, with monthly dues starting at just $50 "to keep the lights on. This accessibility has helped The Bench attract a diverse range of members, who come together to attend various events. These gatherings are not limited to the club itself, as the space is also rented out for external events such as literary readings and climate week pop-ups. The club's owner and co-founder, Michka Bengio, is driven by a passion for facilitating dialogue between people with differing views. His programming often pushes the boundaries of conventional politics, creating scenarios that highlight tensions between opposing groups. For example, The Bench hosted a watch party for Mamdani's 2025 election, which was co-hosted by Weiss's publication, The Free Press. The aftermath of this event saw some members return to The Bench for the midterms viewing, where they had the option of watching CNN or Fox News coverage in separate rooms. According to attendees, the evening was a somber one for supporters of the pro-Cuomo crowd, but despite this, they still chose to gather at The Bench. The hallway between the two screens at The Bench offered an array of activities for guests to enjoy, including purchasing cocktails and popcorn or engaging in discussions with individuals holding differing political views. David Azoulay, who works with Fixer Media, noted that the venue hosts a diverse range of opinions, which he believes is one of its unique selling points. As someone who has collaborated with conservative youth organization Young America's Foundation on events such as the America 250 tour, Azoulay brings a perspective shaped by his work and personal experiences. In addition to engaging in lively discussions with others, Azoulay also found himself debating the merits of socialism with a young progressive. Meanwhile, Democratic councilmember Christopher Marte was seen milling about, sporting an I Voted sticker as he navigated the crowded space. Marte's presence at The Bench is not unusual, given that he has known the venue's owner for over a decade through their shared involvement in New York-based political organization Arena. This connection highlights the complex web of relationships and affiliations that exist among those who frequent this members' club. The Bench, a members' club in New York City, has become a hub for individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect and engage in politics. Bengio's presence at The Bench is part of his efforts to foster relationships between people from different walks of life. As he navigates the room on event nights, he facilitates introductions for guests, aiming to create opportunities for meaningful interactions. Bengio's own background is a testament to his ability to navigate complex connections. Having grown up in Strasbourg, France, as the son of Moroccan and Algerian parents, he developed an interest in languages and cultures at a young age. This curiosity led him to move to the United States, where he learned to speak fluent English. Bengio's professional experience extends beyond politics, with stints as a consultant for NBA Africa and manager for downtown restaurants like Regina's Grocery and Miss Lily's. He has also co-founded supper club Shtick with his wife, Jacqueline Lobel, and partners with the Hancock Foundation and the Hancock Cafe through various ventures. The connections Bengio has made at The Bench are reflective of his broader efforts to bring people together across different fields and industries. His work as a campaign manager for Michael Basch, a Democratic NYC mayoral candidate, is just one example of how he seeks to bridge gaps between politics and other areas of life. Bengio's enthusiasm for basketball is evident in his meticulous organization of books on a shelf, where edges are aligned just so. This attention to detail reflects his broader approach to life, which emphasizes coexistence and civil debate. As a first-time voter, Bengio prefers not to discuss his own politics, instead focusing on the ideals he believes America represents. The promise of America's democratic principles is something that resonates deeply with him, and he hopes to nurture this spirit through open discussion and exchange. This sentiment is echoed by Josef Palermo, who drove from Washington D.C. to attend the party. As a former curator at the Kennedy Center, Palermo has written about the politicization of cultural institutions under both the Biden and Trump administrations. The atmosphere at The Bench is distinct from other venues where politics can be divisive. Here, people from different backgrounds come together in a space that feels welcoming and inclusive. This sense of community is fostered by the club's decor, which features Bengio's impressive collection of NBA and political memorabilia. In an era marked by polarization, The Bench stands out as a rare oasis where people can engage with each other without being bound by partisan affiliations. As Palermo noted, it's essential to reaffirm the principles of free speech and expression that underpin American democracy. The exclusive members' club in New York City is a melting pot of rare and eclectic items that reflect America's rich political history. A framed copy of Emile Zola's 1897 letter to French youth during the Dreyfus affair hangs alongside Michael Jordan Wheaties boxes, while rare basketball sneakers take center stage. The walls are adorned with a portable Florida voting booth from the Bush vs. Gore election and nearly every issue of John F. Kennedy Jr.'s George magazine. Among the many items on display is a framed paper shift dress from Richard Nixon's 1968 presidential campaign, which sits alongside vintage Obama-era crop tops that caught the eye of an observer. The club's eclectic collection also includes a collection of John F. Kennedy speeches on vinyl, which was enthusiastically discussed by a speechwriter for a New York City council member. The club's decor is just one aspect of its unique atmosphere, where members from different backgrounds and ideologies come together to socialize and share their interests. On Tuesday night, it seemed that some attendees were too busy checking their phones to fully engage with the surroundings. As the evening wore on, it became clear that many guests had a vested interest in the election outcome. Anthony DiMieri, who played a key role in Mamdani's social media strategy, revealed that he had just come from another party before attending this event. As the evening wore on, Max Altman, brother of OpenAI founder Sam, made an appearance at The Bench. He had recently relocated from Austin, Texas to New York and was excited about his new surroundings. However, he did express some disappointment that he hadn't requested an absentee ballot in time to vote in the recent elections, and if circumstances were different, he claimed he would have cast a ballot for James Talarico. As the room emptied out as election results turned increasingly in favor of Democratic candidates, I had a chance conversation with Hunt Beaty, described by Azoulay as his libertarian friend". --- Source: [GQ](https://www.gq.com/story/republicans-democrats-members-club) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/new-social-club-emerges-in-new-york-city-focused-on-dialogue/