Egyptian flags waved freely and the words “We are free!” and “Mubarak, go to hell!” were chanted in Astoria’s “Little Egypt” on Friday, February 11 while streets all over Egypt celebrated upon learning that President Hosni Mubarak resigned after thirty years of power.
“I am so happy because I never thought I would experience this. We have the right to enjoy our freedom today,” said Siham Moussaui, an Egyptian resident of Astoria.
Steinway Street and 25th Avenue was the celebratory headquarters for Egyptian descendants living in the borough whose families are experiencing a revolution overseas.
More than two weeks after the protests that began on January 25, Mubarak recently relinquished power to the Egyptian military. Those who celebrated in Astoria believe that the country will soon experience democracy in their government.
“We were promised democracy at Camp David and we experienced the complete opposite, we got a dictatorship. I see a whole different beginning, everyone will be living better. The military troops are the right people for right now because they showed sympathy and compassion for the people protesting,” said 23-year-old Samer Elnawasra, who stood on a crate and led the chants while waving his hometown flag.
Older celebrators said that they expected a gradual process towards a democracy although they felt exuberant nonetheless.
“I was frozen [after initially hearing that Mubarak stepped down]. It’s a new chapter for Egypt right now, today Mubarak is out and everyone will sleep well. But it is going to be a slow process like any new democracy that comes in,” said Abe Jaffer, the Egyptian owner of the printing shop located on the corner of the site of the celebration.
Jaffer started printing posters ever since he heard of the protests. He posted his flyers and political cartoons of Mubarak running away outside the windows of his shop. Jaffer, like many U.S. government leaders, attributed the change to the youth of Egypt and their “resilient” protesting.
“The Egyptian people have stood up, and by their steady determination and remarkable courage, reclaimed their nation’s future for themselves. The Egyptian revolution was accomplished by Egyptians, for Egyptians. The victory is theirs and the whole world stands in awe of their achievement,” said Congressmember Gary Ackerman, chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia.
Only two days after taking control of the country, Epypt’s military suspended the constitution and has called for an election in six months, further assuring its citizens that democracy will in fact take place.
“Now Egypt’s leaders must emerge and take concerted steps that will result in a stable, orderly transition to a real democratic society that fosters prosperity for its people and peace with its neighbors,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
