We watched as the Egyptian people’s call for a new, more representative form of government was heard. B’nai B’rith is hopeful that these first steps toward a new government will include a focus on maintaining and building upon the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.

Much time and effort will be spent in the coming weeks and months analyzing the movement that lead to this moment. But we must also carefully focus on the new beginning this uprising launched.

Upon Mubarak’s resignation, weeks of protest and disaffection transformed to the prospects for democracy and civil rights for the Egyptian people. Free and fair elections are the next step in this new era. The people of Egypt have tough choices ahead. They must now determine how they will build their nation as they move to fulfill the promise of their demands.

As the first Arab state to make peace with Israel, Egypt’s stability is vital to Israel’s future. Regional security is a global concern. The step toward democracy in the largest state in the Middle East must not be diminished by a step backward in Egyptian-Israel relations.