A sense of solidarity that extended beyond natural allegiances has burst.
People are embracing oneness. Here in the United States, the main organizing country, the magnificent Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles, and the beautiful parade were a spectacular display of the World together., “we are one Regardless of our origin or religion”.
The American people showed genuine hospitality, far from politics, who can or cannot enter the country, the American people showed genuine hospitality to people from around the world.
Beyond respect for each other Faith, a value we are committed to conveying at His Excellency Dr. Ghoulem Berrah Foundation, the American people showed love to their human brothers and sisters. They transmitted the World Cup fever.
Lawrence, Kansas, The Algerian fever
One of the most stunning examples of the American people’s hospitality is Lawrence, a small town in the heart of America. Lawrence is a beautiful city of 97,000 inhabitants between the Kansas and the Wakarusa Rivers, located in Douglas County, Kansas, 40 miles from Kansas City. Lawrence is also home to the University of Kansas.
Back in February 2026, when they heard that the World Cup team Algeria, instead of selecting Kansas City chose Lawrence as their base, the entire community came together.
Every single one was involved; They did an incredible job, a work of love.
One should not try to divide us because of our faith; we are human brothers and sisters. A mostly Christian Lawrence community embraced the Algerian Team, 100% Muslim.
Starting with the City Mayor, Brad Finkeldei, he wears a scarf with the Algerian Flag.
“Thanks to Team Algeria, they chose us. Our goal was to make them feel at home.”
“A natural connection happens on Massachusetts Street”. This is the main Street with shops selling T-shirts with Algerian colors. Young people poured into the streets. Of course, they were excited by the economic aspect, but their hearts were in the right place.
Algeria inspired the Lawrence Community, and Lawrence turned green and white with the red crescent and star, the Algerian flag. There is a sign at the Entrance of the city. “Welcome, Algeria.” One Lady organizer told a reporter, “We did some research about Algeria to make sure we are doing it right.” Some went out of their way to take some
French and Arabic classes “to be the best hosts possible.” A young Kansan confessed, “Prior to the World Cup, I didn’t know putting Algeria on the map”.
“We fell in love with those folks,” declared a man in his seventies. The entire community
fell in love with Algeria. Our Algerian brothers and sisters returned the love.
Team Algeria found a second home. The open practice has great interaction, cheering them on.
They got along so well that the whole town adopted Team Algeria as their own. They filled up Kansas City Stadium, along with Algerian fans coming from all over the world. When the team was in San Francisco, they poured into Lawrence’s streets to celebrate Algeria’s victory.
This is heartwarming. Congratulations to Lawrence for the great hospitality!
The World Cup shows us that the best Ambassadors of the United States are the American people themselves.
The World Cup shows us that our fraternity is greater than our differences.
At H.E Dr. Ghoulem Berrah Foundation, we are delighted to witness such a fraternity as we have embraced the divine power inherent in all creation as our daily source of inspiration, and try to make the world a better place for all humankind.