Europe: Elected Officials Commemorate World Falun Dafa Day (Part 2)

(Minghui.org) (continued from Part 1) May 13, 2025 is the 26th World Falun Dafa Day, the 33rd anniversary of its public introduction. It’s also the birthday of Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of the practice. Elected officials in Europe spoke at practitioners’ celebrations or issued letters and greetings to commend Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

Ireland: Officials Commemorate World Falun Dafa Day

Members of Parliament (MP, Teachta Dála (TD)) and local officials sent messages to honor World Falun Dafa Day.

Falun Dafa practitioners in Ireland held a celebration in the capital, Dublin, on May 10, 2025. Seven elected officials, including MP and city councilors, sent congratulatory messages to mark World Falun Dafa Day.

In his greeting Barry Heneghan MP wrote, “World Falun Dafa Day is a significant occasion that honors the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, values that resonate across cultures and communities and which are deeply needed in today’s world. These universal principles promote understanding, peace, and personal integrity, and I commend all those who strive to embody them in their daily lives.

“Falun Dafa practitioners in Ireland and around the globe have long contributed to a more harmonious and respectful society through their peaceful practice and positive engagement with their communities. I recognize and appreciate these contributions, and I stand in support of your right to freedom of belief and peaceful expression.”

Frankfurt, Germany: Elected Officials Express Support During World Falun Dafa Day Celebrations

Practitioners held an event in Zeil, Frankfurt, Germany, on May 3, 2025, to celebrate the upcoming 26th World Falun Dafa Day.

Heiko Kasseckert, member of the Hesse State Parliament, and his letter.

Heiko Kasseckert, member of the Hesse State Parliament, wrote, “On the 26th World Falun Dafa Day, I send you my warmest greetings and my deepest appreciation.

“On this special day, you may celebrate your own meaningful holiday with joy and pride—a day that highlights the beauty and profound inner value of Falun Dafa. It is a day of hope, humanity, and the reminder that even in the midst of distress and oppression, the light of truth cannot be extinguished.

“Your peaceful and tireless commitment is a shining example for the whole world. It reminds us all that compassion and truthfulness can unfold their power even in the face of the greatest challenges.

“I wish you much success in the celebrations and on your future path, inner strength, and the certainty that your efforts will have an impact far beyond today.”

Martina Feldmayer (left) and Miriam Dahlke (right), members of the Hesse State Parliament

Joint letter from the two members of the Hesse State Parliament.

The letter reads, “On the occasion of this year’s 26th World Falun Dafa Day, we extend our best wishes to you and everyone involved. The long-standing nonviolent commitment of Falun Dafa practitioners to fundamental rights and freedoms deserves attention and recognition.

“We welcome any commitment that peacefully draws attention to human rights violations and strengthens the protection of human dignity. We wish you a smooth and successful day at your rally on May 3 in Frankfurt.”

Oliver Stirböck, member of the Hesse State Parliament, and his letter.

Oliver Stirböck, member of the Hesse State Parliament and executive chairman of the Freedom Party (FDP), stated in his letter, “I would like to thank you very much for the opportunity to address you again this year and wish you much success and perseverance in your commitment to religious freedom, and I stand firmly by your side.”

Slovakia: Elected Officials Praise Falun Gong Practitioners

Falun Dafa practitioners in Slovakia and the Czech Republic held activities, including a rally, at Hviezdoslav Square in Bratislava on May 10, 2025, to celebrate the 26th World Falun Dafa Day. Elected officials from the Slovakia National Assembly came to support the activities.

Ondrej Dostál, member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, spoke at the rally.

At the rally, Ondrej Dostál, member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, said in his speech, “I want to express my support and solidarity to you, as I have done for the past years.” He praised practitioners for their remarkable dedication and determination in standing by the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, all around the world. He concluded his speech by saying, “I want to express my solidarity, my support, and also my admiration, because the important thing is to endure, and you are showing that you have the determination and also the ability to endure.”

František Mikloško, member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, spoke at the rally.

František Mikloško, a member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, said he supports practitioners’ efforts to introduce the spiritual practice to residents. “You showed people your spirituality that you love, in which you live, and which does not bother anyone, and which does not abuse or oppress anyone. Be true to your convictions, be true to your ideals,” he said. He concluded his speech by saying, “Allow me to express to you my most sincere support.”

The Netherlands: Dignitaries and Others Praise Falun Dafa at World Falun Dafa Day Celebrations in Amsterdam

Harry van Bommel, a former member of the House of Representatives of the Socialist Party, addressed the event.

He praised the calm and peace Falun Dafa brought to people and called on more people to learn about Falun Dafa and pay attention to the human rights violations against its practitioners in China. He wants to tell the persecuted practitioners in China: “Please believe in the support of the international community, whether it is overseas Falun Dafa practitioners or international organizations, please keep in contact with people, so that more can understand the beauty of Falun Dafa!”