(Minghui.org) May 13, 2021, was the 22^nd World Falun Dafa Day and the 29^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. Seventeen members of the New York State Assembly issued citations to mark the occasion and commend Falun Dafa for the universal values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and how it has benefited over 100 million people.

Seventeen members of the New York State Assembly who issued citations to mark World Falun Dafa Day. First row, left to right: Fred W. Thiele, Jr., Member of Assembly (MA) for the 1^st District, MA Steve Englebright of the 4^th District, MA Phil Ramos of the 6^th District, and MA Jarett Gandolfo for the 7^th District. Second row, left to right: MA Michael J. Fitzpatrick of the 8^th District, MA David G. McDonough for the 14^th District, MA Edward P. Ra for the 19^th District, and MA Andrew Hevesi for the 28^th District. Third row, left to right: MA Charles D. Fall of the 61^st District, MA Robert J.Rodriguez for the 68^th District, MA John T. McDonald III for the 108^th District, and MA Patricia Fahy of the 109^th District. Fourth row, left to right: MA Angelo Santabarbara for the 111^th District, MA Mary Beth Walsh for the 112^th District, MA Ken Blankenbush for the 117th District, MA Pamela J.Hunter for the 128^th District, and MA Brian Manktelow of the 113^th District.

Citation from MA Fred W. Thiele, Jr.

MA Fred W. Thiele, Jr. stated in his citation, “The practice of Falun Dafa encouraged people to be thoughtful of others at all times and is guided by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance.”

“In 1996, Falun Dafa was introduced to New York State spreading its universal human values that bridge cultures, nationalities, race, gender, and age.”

Citation from MA Steven Englebright

MA Steven Englebright stated in his citation, “Practitioners of Falun Dafa are committed to the principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance; their practice encourages them to abandon negative thoughts and behaviors and to always be thoughtful of others and to be good people.”

“New York State is a better place because of practitioners of Falun Dafa who are committed to enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment.”

Citation from MA Philip Ramos

MA Philip Ramos stated in his citation, “Practitioners help shed light on communism’s destructive nature through peaceful decades-long protests against the persecution...”

“Practitioners offering exercise instruction and health information through free online workshops, cultural programs on TV cables, outdoor exercises sites and various personal accounts.”

“We are privileged to have Falun Dafa, a ground-breaking ancient meditation practice, in our own backyard providing an outlet and voice to those who are in need of some form of peace.”

Citation from MA Jarett C. Gandolfo

Citation from MA Michael Fitzpatrick

Citation from MA David G. McDonough

Citation from MA Edward P. Ra

Letter from MA Andrew D. Hevesi

Citation from MA Charles D. Fall

Citation from MA Robert J.Rodriguez

Citation from MA John T. McDonald III

Citation from MA Patricia Fahy

Citation from MA Angelo Santabarbara

Citation from MA Mary Beth Walsh

Citation from MA Ken Blankenbush

Citation from MA Pamela J.Hunter

Citation from MA Brian Manktelow

Background: What is Falun Dafa?

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people have embraced the teachings—which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance as well as five gentle exercises—and experienced uplifted health and well-being.

Jiang Zemin, former head of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), perceived the spiritual discipline's growing popularity as a threat to the CCP's atheistic ideology and on July 20, 1999, issued an order to ban the practice.

Minghui.org has confirmed the deaths of thousands of practitioners as a result of the persecution over the past 22 years. The actual number is believed to be much higher. More have been imprisoned and tortured for their faith.

There is concrete evidence that the CCP sanctions the harvesting of organs from detained practitioners, who are murdered to supply the organ transplant industry.

Under Jiang’s personal direction, the CCP established the 610 Office, an extralegal security organization with the power to override the police and judicial systems and whose sole function is to carry out the persecution of Falun Dafa.