A huge demonstration was organized by Egyptian-Americans in New York City's Times Square on Friday, which coincided with the massive “Day of Departure” protest back in Egypt to oust Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The demonstration, which was aired on some Arab news satellite channels, witnessed the participation of around 500 people who gathered behind police barricades in Times Square on Friday chanting, “Mubarak must go!” One demonstrator held up a sign saying, “Long live the Egyptian intifada!” They marched in Times Square to show solidarity with protesters in Egypt, who are calling for the immediate resignation of President Hosni Mubarak after 30 years in power. The demonstration in New York came after a violent round of clashes in Cairo on Wednesday that left at least 11 people dead and scores injured. Medical sources have told Bikya Masr the number is as high as 35. Mubarak has said he would not run again in general elections later this year, a move that did little to appease opponents who want him to leave office immediately. Mubarak said his departure now would leave the country in “chaos,” in statements to ABC news. The US government says close to 60,000 Egyptian-Americans live in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. BM
