Ireland: Politicians Offer Congratulations on World Falun Dafa Day

On May 11, 2024, Falun Dafa practitioners held a parade and rally in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, to celebrate the 25th World Falun Dafa Day and the 32nd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. 

Members of Teachta Dála (TD) and local councils, and members of Ireland’s political parties also sent letters of support. In their letters, the TDs commended Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and its positive impact on society. They praised practitioners’ persistence in their faith despite the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) brutal persecution of Falun Dafa.

Minister of State: Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance Remain Key Values

Joe O’Brien, Minister of State, stated in his letter, “I am delighted to be able to offer this message of support to Falun Dafa practitioners around the world this World Falun Dafa Day. Falun Dafa draws from a rich historical and cultural tradition and its teachings of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance remain key values. Falun Dafa places personal wellbeing and wellbeing practices, such as meditation, as one of its core tenents which we could all do with more of in the modern world.” 

TD: I Stand With You

Michael Lowry TD sent a letter to express his support, “I understand that this day, known as World Falun Dafa Day, is a significant occasion for practitioners worldwide.

“Falun Dafa’s teachings, rooted in ancient Chinese cultivation schools, have positively impacted the lives of many people across the globe. The practice’s emphasis on mental, moral, and physical wellbeing contributes to a healthier, more stable, and harmonious society.

“I am aware of the challenges faced by the Falun Gong practitioners in China. The resilience and commitment of the Falun Dafa community to their principles are truly inspiring.

“By sending this message, I acknowledge the values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance that Falun Dafa espouses. I hope this message sends a signal of solidarity to those who value these principles.

“My support for your cause is not for any personal benefit but is humanitarian in nature. I stand with you in your peaceful campaign to end the atrocities against Falun Gong practitioners.

“Best wished for a successful World Falun Dafa Day.” 

Other TDs who sent letters include Mattie McGrath, Gino Kenny, and Seán Canney. 

Five local councilors also sent letters. Ireland County Councilor Jim O’Leary wrote, “Just a quick note to confirm my support for the members of Falun Gong to be allowed to practice their beliefs free from persecution and oppression.” Councilor Bill Clear wrote, “I have always supported Falun gong petitions that I come upon wherever I am in the world. Keep up the good work.” 

Practitioners Celebrate World Falun Dafa Day

After the parade, practitioners held a rally next to Ireland’s Monument of Light to celebrate Falun Dafa Day through group exercises and dragon dance, waist drum, and dance performances. Many spectators said they wished to learn the exercises.

When Anzhelika saw the performance celebrating Dafa Day, she happily called her parents over. Anzhelika is also a Falun Gong practitioner. She came to a city in the west of Ireland from Ukraine three years ago when her father moved to Dublin. She was in Dublin on the weekend and saw the activities celebrating Dafa Day.

Anzhelika is 20 years old and is studying film production. Talking about her experience of practicing Falun Dafa, she said that when she was a child, she often saw her father quietly practicing the exercises, which made her curious about Falun Dafa. She thought it looked very interesting. When she saw Zhuan Falun at home, she always wanted to read it. But she said she was young and didn’t really understand what it was. It wasn’t until she was 18 years old that she decided to start practicing Falun Dafa. She found it hard to put into words what prompted her decision. “I felt like this was what I needed,” she said.

Describing her changes after she began practicing, Anzhelika said that she is happy every day now. Even though the sudden war shattered her peaceful life, and she has heard many Ukrainians who left their homes complaining about the difficulties, she said that she never felt bad. “I never felt like this before,” Anzhelika explained. “I just feel happy.”

You Will Be Free

Practitioners also told people that in the past 25 years, Falun Dafa practitioners in China have suffered the CCP’s persecution, including torture and forced organ harvesting. Many passers-by signed the petition calling to end the brutality. 

Patrick and Lyndsey were shocked to learn that the CCP was harvesting organs from living practitioners. Patrick called it shameful, and Lyndsey said it was a violation of human rights and terrible. Both of them expressed their support for Falun Dafa practitioners.

Nourzidane from Iraq signed the petition. She said organ donation should be voluntary. She said she understood that it was not easy for Chinese people under the rule of the CCP, but she encouraged people to keep hope. “I grew up in a war zone, and I understand how helpless you can feel. But don’t give up hope, and you’ll eventually be free.”

Seeing the practitioners doing the exercises together, Nourzidane said she felt that the exercises were peaceful. Her friend Fatima, who was traveling with her, agreed. She said that such exercises could help people gain spiritual enlightenment. 

Emma also supported practitioners in their efforts to expose the persecution. She encouraged practitioners in China to persevere: “Exceptionally difficult days mean happy times will follow. Don’t give up.”