מיליוני אנשים ברחבי העולם חגגו אתמול את "יום הפאלון דאפא העולמי", מספר פוליטיקאים בכירים הביעו תמיכה

And to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, several U.S. lawmakers from all levels of government sending their recognition of the spiritual practice. NDD's Washington correspondent Jack Bradley has more on that. Millions worldwide are celebrating World Falun Dafa Day, marking the 34th anniversary of this traditional self-improvement practice. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. It includes gentle meditative exercises and is offered free to the public. Practitioners say it brings better health, kindness, and inner peace. This May 13th also marks the birthday of its founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi. One of the largest celebrations is underway in New York City with a vibrant parade through Manhattan, carrying a message of hope and resilience. In Washington and across the country, lawmakers are sending strong messages of support. Happy Falun Dafa Day. We respect your rights of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, respect your values of tolerance and respect for one another. I believe in the commandment that says, you know, love God, love one another as you would want to be loved, and I just appreciate celebrating this day with you. Senator Ted Cruz saying occasions such as provide an opportunity to recognize the values of freedom of belief and cultural diversity, as well as the positive contributions of those who uphold these values each day. Maryland Governor Wes Moore issuing an official greeting honoring Mr. Li Hongzhi for his service to the state. Maryland's House Speaker highlighting the perseverance of these practitioners facing ongoing persecution in China. The Illinois State Senate passing a proclamation this month celebrating Falun Dafa Day. Dozens of other U.S. and international lawmakers have issued similar recognitions over the years. Even former NBA star and human rights advocate Aness Cantor-Freedom is voicing his support. I just want to, you know, give a shout out to all these brave Falun Gong, my brothers and sisters. I want to call them my brothers and sisters because they're like a family. Everywhere I go, they show so much support. So I want to say, appreciate it, stay strong, be brave, and I don't care who you're fighting against, you know, just go out there, do what you do best, and stand up for what you believe in. On Capitol Hill, Senators Ted Cruz and Jeff Merkley introducing a bipartisan bill to combat the Chinese Communist Party's forced organ harvesting of Falun Dafa practitioners and other prisoners of conscience. A similar measure already passed the House. The Chinese Communist Party began persecuting practitioners of Falun Dafa in July 1999 under then-CCP leader Jiang Zemin after an estimated 70 to 100 million people had taken up the practice. The CCP is carrying out one of the largest campaigns of mass imprisonment, killings, and forced organ harvesting that continue to this day. Yet despite the repression, Falun Dafa has flourished, spreading to more than 110 countries around the world. For NTD News Washington, I'm Jack Bradley.