In Little Egypt, a lot of anxiety

>>> back now tonight to our top story, the story we covered firsthand all week in egypt . think of what it's like to watch the coverage for the nearly 150,000 people living in the u.s. who were born in egypt . they're watching closely. they have a lot to say about it. the our report tonight from nbc's mayora skav campo.

>> reporter: a world aware from cairo's tahrir square, a show of solidarity in new york's times square . a couple of miles away in new york's little egypt , a tight-knit community of egyptian americans run businesses and send their kids to school. this couple moved here nine years ago and opened a restaurant, but these days they can't think much about the business and spend much of their time frantically checking on family back home in cairo.

>> do you worry?

>> yes, too much.

>> reporter: even their 8-year-old son, mohammed, is anxious, scared his cousins and grandfather may be killed in the street violence.

>> sad and a little bit confused because i thought egypt was peaceful.

>> reporter: as the crisis in their country escalates, many gather in resurants and smoke-lled coffee shops day after day , transfixed by news from home. those here overwhelmingly side with anti-government protesters who want president mubarak to leave office immediately, not at the end of his term.

>> he's only buying time.

>> does seeing all of this make you want to be there and be a part of it?

>> yes, i do.

>> reporter: almost 150,000 egyptians live in the u.s. thousands have rallied in support of the uprising in cities from all over the country, from d.c. to chicago to los angeles . others show support in smaller ways. ahmed mustafa wants everyone to know exactly how he feels.

>> i'm trying to do something like that. i'm telling to tell please no more.

>> reporter: one of many egyptians standing together although they may be so far away from home.