Boca Raton woman to hold rally for Egypt

BOCA RATON, Fla. - A Boca Raton woman is taking her own stand against the violence in Egypt. She’s organizing a rally on Thursday to show American support for the Egyptian people.

As protesters took to the streets of Cairo, Stephanie El Maadawy knew what she had to do.

"This is my way of letting the Egyptian people know that we do have your back and we hear you and we're going to stand in solidarity for democracy in Egypt," she explained.

Stephanie is a busy mother of a three-year-old. She's never organized a rally before, but she's also not letting that stop her from planning a demonstration at Sanborn Square on Thursday afternoon.

Stephanie, whose husband is from Egypt, has seen the conditions the Egyptian people are living with first hand.

"They're so poor. I've seen the streets,” she said. “They have no waste management. People are living in the slums. It's a beautiful rich country, but you wouldn't know it because of the greed and corruption."

Stephanie has done much of the legwork for her rally on the computer.

"I couldn't have done this without Facebook," she admitted.

Thanks to the internet and her 'Rally for Free Egypt' Facebook page , she's been able to spread the word and support is pouring in.

"We have activists from West Palm Beach to Miami coming and they're brought their backing," she said.

She hopes this will also send a message to Americans, including her young son, Sami.

"I want my son to know that he should stand up for what he believes and that everyone deserves to live with basic human rights," she said.

Right now, about 100 people are expected to attend Thursday's rally in Sanborn Square, but Stephanie El Maadawy believes even a small rally can make a big impact."

"I do. I do,” she said. “It starts with one person."

The Rally for Free Egypt begins Thursday, February 3, starting at 3pm. It will take place in Sanborn Square at 72 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton.