(Minghui.org) May 13, 2021, was the 22^nd World Falun Dafa Day and the 29^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. Eight State Senators issued proclamations to mark the occasion. They commended Falun Dafa and its principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Eight State Senators issue proclamations to mark the 29^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. From left to right in the upper panel: Senator Mario R. Mattera of the 2^nd District, Senator Philip M. Boyle of the 4^th District, Senator Andrew J. Lanza of the 24^th District, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins of the 35^th District. From left to right in the lower panel: Senator Mike Martucci of the 42^nd District, Senator Daphne Jordan of the 43^rd District, Senator Neil D. Breslin of the 44^th District, and Senator James N.Tedisco of the 49^th District. 

Proclamation from Senator Mario R. Mattera of the 2^nd District

The proclamation from Senator Mario R. Mattera reads, “Falun Dafa is an uplifting mind-body practice centered upon the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance.

“Falun Dafa empowers individuals to embrace what is virtuous and improves their wellbeing holistically.

“Falun Dafa has one hundred million people, in over ninety countries, that have benefited from its teachings since its introduction in China on May Thirteenth Nineteen Hundred Ninety-Two. 

“Falun Dafa’s practitioners helped shed light on communism’s destructive nature through peaceful protests against the Chinese Communist Party and its human rights abuses. 

“Falun Dafa practitioners have touched the lives of local residents in New York during these difficult times. They offer exercise, instruction and health information through free online workshops, and cultural programs, which New Yorkers have been positively impacted by.”

Proclamation from Senator Phil M. Boyle of the 4^th District

In his proclamation, Senator Phil M. Boyle stated that “the 22^nd World Falun Dafa Day should be celebrated and appreciated by all New Yorkers on the 22^nd Annual World Falun Dafa Day.” 

Proclamation from Senator Andrew J. Lanza of the 24^th District

Senator Andrew J. Lanza issued a proclamation honoring the 22^nd annual World Falun Dafa Day and the 29^th anniversary of the public introduction of Falun Dafa. 

Proclamation from Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins of the 35th District 

The proclamation reads, “New York Senator and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins recognize the significant contributions and accomplishments of Falun Dafa practitioners and join with the residents of the 35^th District to proclaim May 13, 2021 as World Falun Dafa Day.”

Proclamation from Senator Mike Martucci of the 42^nd District, recognizing the 22^nd annual Falun Dafa Day. 

Proclamation from Senator Daphne Jordan of the 43^rd District, commemorating the 22^nd annual World Falun Dafa Day Celebration, observed on May 13, 2021.

Proclamation from Senator Neil D Breslin of the 44^th District commemorating World Falun Dafa Month.

Proclamation from Senator James N. Tedisco of the 49^th District, celebrating the 22^nd annual World Falun Dafa Day and the 29^th anniversary of the public introduction of Falun Dafa. 

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.