ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- "Live Egypt, live Egypt!"
The phrase comes with great jubilation after Hosni Mubarak is stripped of his Presidential powers.

"Finally the people were able to stand up and do something and the government was able to listen to them," says Shareef Khoga.

Friday night prayer at the Muslim Community Center had even greater meaning for Nesreen Sirgrany who moved to Rockford from Egypt just one year ago.

"We do not live in Egypt, Egypt lives in our hearts," she said emotionally.
"They were able to change not just the whole system in Egypt but I believe the whole world," says Mokhtar Mohamad.

"A huge feeling of optimism that we're going to rebuild the government and there will be fair elections," says Nadia Mohamed.

"We are here, excuse me but my heart is over there," says Nasser Hussein

Many American Egyptians share the strong sentiment, including Hussein's eldest daughter Elzaharaa, who was born in Egypt.

"I wish I was there in Egypt to attend the celebration," says Elzaharaa Hussein.

"It's about time for stereotypes to end and I think the world was watching and saw all segments of society working together," says Magdy Kandil.

Christians and Muslims united in protest to help build a better Egypt.

"I'm sure that Egypt and Egyptians will be respected all over the world now because of this movement," says Yehia Khoga.

Mosque leaders tell 23 News there are about 30 Egyptian families living in Rockford. The Muslim Community Center will host a celebration Sunday.