Brooklyn, New York: Falun Dafa Welcomed at Atlantic Antic Festival

The 42nd annual Atlantic Antic festival was held on September 25 in Brooklyn, New York. As the largest and oldest street fair in Brooklyn, it attracts thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds. Celebrations stretch from Flatbush Avenue in the heart of the city to the waterfront. Many festival-goers were delighted to learn about Falun Dafa during the festivities.

 

Practitioners demonstrate the exercises.
Practitioners demonstrate the exercises.

 

“One Day the World Will Understand You”

Derrick Raphael said that he was aware of the persecution of Falun Dafa in China. He signed up for a lecture session to learn more about the practice, and encouraged one practitioner, “Please keep it up. One day the world will understand you.”

Taliban Daisley, a local resident who speaks fluent Chinese, signed the petition that calls to end the suppression of Falun Dafa in China, especially the organ harvesting from living Falun Dafa practitioners. He signed up for the session to understand more about the practice, and looks forward to learning the meditation that improves mind and body.

 

Derrick Raphael signs up for a lecture session.
Derrick Raphael signs up for a lecture session.

 

Positive Changes in Life

Elizabeth Zelazny came to the booth with her two daughters and one son. Hearing about the severe persecution in China, all four signed petitions to support efforts to bring it to an end. During the conversation, the children said they had just lost their father. The practitioner shared her experience of having a more positive attitude towards life after practicing Falun Dafa. The family thanked her and signed up for the lecture session to learn more about the practice.

Luz Jaime and her husband talked with practitioners and signed a petition to help stop the persecution. After hearing about the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and the health benefits of Falun Dafa, she became very interested and would like to start practicing.

 

People sign petitions calling to stop the suppression in China.
People sign petitions calling to stop the suppression in China.

 

One passerby asked a practitioner for a hand-made paper lotus flower. Lotus flowers represent peace and happiness. “I have several of them already because I get one every year,” she explained, “I like them very much—they give me energy and hope.”