This Canada Day, I want to tell you a story about the Canada I love.

It started before I even walked through the doors of BC Place for Egypt’s World Cup match against New Zealand earlier this month.

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Tens of thousands of us were moving through downtown Vancouver draped in red scarves and Egyptian flags, chanting the same word over and over.

Not everyone chanting was Egyptian, but it didn’t matter. Days earlier, Egypt had held Belgium to a draw — and suddenly a fan base long accustomed to disappointment had something dangerous: hope. With a chance to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, “Masr” became more than the name of a country. It became a rhythm, a pulse. Something you felt in your chest before you understood it in your head.

I’m a journalist, trained to observe, to stand outside the moment. That night, I failed spectacularly at that.

I wasn’t there as a reporter. I was an Egyptian kid........

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