By Olivia Scheck and Michael Ventura
DNAinfo Staff
MIDTOWN — Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down Friday, touching off celebrations from Cairo to Midtown.
Mubarak's historic departure, ending 30 years of rule, was announced by Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman. A council of military leaders was reportedly now in control of the country.
"I'm so happy, it's unbelievable," said Nadia Bishai, 35, of the Upper West Side.
Bishai met friends in front of Egypt's mission to the United Nations at East 44th Street and Second Avenue.
"We couldn't sit at our offices anymore," said Bishai, who left Egypt in 1998. "We have hope, and we haven't had hope in years."
Ehab Azmy, a 48-year-old architect from New Jersey also originally from Egypt, said his immediate reaction to news of Mubarak's leaving was "jumping up and down and shouting, 'Freedom'!"
Mubarak's announcement compelled the owner of Egyptian restaurant Casa Le Femme in the West Village to throw an impromptu party Friday to celebrate the news.
"We hope for the safety and well-being of all, and support the people's choice," said Casa La Femme marketing coordinator Seon Barbera, noting that owner Medhat Ibrahim has been closely following the news, and decided to organize "a celebration for Egypt" upon hearing of Mubarak's resignation.
Ten percent of the proceeds from the party will go to the nonprofit Windows for Widows, which provides support for Egyptian widows neglected during Mubarak's reign, Barbera added.
The 82-year-old Mubarak's departure capped a historic week in Egypt that saw mass protests in the streets and clashes between the longstanding president's army and opposition groups. On Thursday, word was that his resignation was imminent. Then, he gave a speech saying he wouldn't leave, which touched off outrage in Egypt and confusion around the world.
Egypt's military, now in control of the country, issued a statement saying they would implement "a variety of constitutional reforms," the New York Times reported.
