(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners from five countries—Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova, and France—participated in the opening parade of the 30th Chestnut Festival in Baia Mare and held three information days about Falun Dafa.



On Friday, September 19, between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., the practitioners set up an information booth near the statue of Iuliu Maniu, close to the Mara Hotel, and between 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. they participated in the parade. On Saturday, September 20, between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., they continued the information event. On Sunday, they demonstrated the exercises at the Falun Dafa practice site in Regina Maria Park between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., and then continued the information event near the statue of Iuliu Maniu between 12:00 and 9:00 p.m.



This is the third time they’ve participated in the Chestnut Festival and the first time they’ve participated in the parade. Their entry featured a demonstration of the Falun Dafa exercises.

Falun Dafa practitioners demonstrate the exercises during a parade organized by Baia Mare government.

Practitioners’ information booth near the statue of Iuliu Maniu

Practitioners demonstrate the Falun Dafa exercises at the practice site in Regina Maria Park

During the events, practitioners handed out informational materials, told people about Falun Dafa and its values of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, and how the practice has been persecuted by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) for the past 26 years. They also collected signatures on a petition to the G7+7 countries to hold the CCP accountable for its persecution, including its brutal forced organ harvesting that targets practitioners. Hundreds of people signed the petition, and many more people learned about this crime.

“The Principles of Falun Dafa Should Be Spread Throughout the World”

Passersby chatted with practitioners and learned more about Falun Dafa’s principles, which many of them agreed with. Having lived through a communist regime in Romania, many older Romanians also expressed their sympathy for practitioners who are persecuted by the CCP.

Claudia Pop (second from left)

Claudia Pop, 47, a mother and educator at a sports club in Baia Mare, was deeply moved by what practitioners in China have to endure when they are taken to labor camps and separated from their children, as well as by the young practitioners who are left without parents—either because their parents are in labor camps or prisons, or because their parents have been killed for their faith. She believes that everything has a beginning and an end, and that this persecution will soon come to an end.

“I have faith in God that everything will work out in the end. Let us be good, and God will return our kindness.” She also has a message of encouragement for practitioners in China: “Dear practitioners, don’t lose your hope and faith!” Claudia’s sister, Felicia, also joined her sister in encouraging practitioners and young practitioners persecuted in China to persevere and have confidence.



Claudia said she would tell the coaches and teachers at the sports club that Falun Dafa promotes these essential values and that those who believe in them are persecuted and killed in China.


Antonia and Ioan were impressed when they received a leaflet and an origami lotus flower. When they learned that Falun Dafa is based on the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, they both said, “We apply these values in our family, from generation to generation. Our grandparents and parents taught us to live this way, and we passed it on to our children and now our grandchildren to behave this way in life. This tradition lasts, and it is good for it to become a completely normal way of life for everyone.”

They were saddened to learn that in China, people who hold this belief are being killed by the communists. Antonia said, “But it’s no wonder, as so many people were oppressed during communism in our country.” They encouraged practitioners and wished them success.

Daria and Elisa

Daria and Elisa were shocked to learn that practitioners who follow Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are being persecuted. They said, “Let’s spread the word about the crimes in China so that people will sign the petition and the persecution will stop. The principles are very good. This persecution should not exist.”

Anca and Paul


Anca and Paul read about the persecution and the CCP’s other crimes. About Falun Dafa Paul said, “This is a very good practice.” His wife added, “These principles are great. Truth, compassion, and tolerance are what we all need.”

Young Romanians Support Falun Dafa

Many children and teenagers learned about Falun Dafa, and some encouraged their older family members to support practitioners.

Florina, Iulia, and Anelise

After Florina, Iulia, and Anelise, 12th grade students, read the leaflets they signed the petition. When a practitioner gave them details about the CCP’s state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting in China, Florina was brought to tears when she learned how practitioners are persecuted, beaten, and tortured, and especially how they are killed for their organs.


An 11- or 12-year-old child wanted to sign the petition. A practitioner told him that he was not old enough, but he still wanted to sign the petition to support the practitioners. His mother already signed. The practitioner told her that the child could sign only with her consent, and if she wanted his signature to be valid, she should write her name clearly next to his signature. The entire family signed.

Bogdan and Maria


Bogdan and Maria said we desperately need principles in this chaotic world we live in. “We support you in helping to stop the genocide in China,” Bogdan said.

David, Orsolya, and Bogdan

David, Orsolya, and Bogdan signed the Petition to the G7+7 countries and said they hope practitioners are released and allowed to practice their faith. “These principles should be spread throughout the world, not persecuted,” David said. After he signed, David brought other friends to sign as well. He was outraged and said, “That such crimes could take place in the 21st century against peaceful and spiritual people.”

Two 5th-grade girls were thrilled that they could help even with a kind thought.

The children were very receptive to what was happening in the park where practitioners held their activities. Whether it was the exercises, the petition booth, or the general atmosphere, the children wanted to join in. Some children urged their parents to sign. Two 5th-grade girls were delighted that they could help even with a kind thought. “I think the principles are very beautiful, I will tell my friends about them,” one said. They were happy to receive lotus flowers.


A group of young people learn the 2nd Falun Dafa exercise

People of all ages and professions signed the petition.

Viorica

Viorica, a traditional artisan, was delighted to learn about Falun Dafa’s principles and receive a lotus flower, which she greatly appreciated. She said she also appreciates ancient Chinese culture. “These principles are good, we need them,” she said.

Practitioners told people about Falun Dafa and gave them informational materials.