(Clearwisdom.net) Falun Dafa made its first appearance in the Middle East in1997. More and more people have begun to learn the practice, and local media cover practitioners' events in introducing the practice and expose Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'s brutal persecution.

­Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline for mind and body. The practice involves slow, gentle movements and meditation. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to practice, and free of charge. Its principles are based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The practice began in China in 1992 and quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China and then beyond. Its beneficial effects in uplifting an individual's physical health, spiritual well-being and moral character, not to mention its positive influence in the community and society as a whole, have been undeniable. In fact, Falun Gong is practiced in more than 100 countries. The main works of Falun Gong are available in over 30 languages.

On July 20, 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a brutal persecution of Falun Gong. Since the start of the persecution, Falun Gong practitioners throughout the world have been constantly speaking out about the truth of Falun Gong and exposing the CCP's crimes in a tireless effort to end the persecution.

On October 24, 2009, the first Falun Dafa experience sharing conference was held in Ankara, Turkey. Practitioners from eight countries including Turkey, Iran, UAE, and Israel participated. More than ten practitioners shared their experiences onstage. The following is a review of the Falun Dafa's spread in Middle East.

Falun Dafa Arrives in the Middle East

In 1997, Falun Dafa was introduced in Israel. Since then, the number of people practicing Falun Gong has increased continuously. There are practice sites in each major city. In Turkey, many people also practice Falun Gong.

Zhuan Falun in Hebrew and Turkish published

From September 30 to October 5, 2009, Falun Gong practitioners in Israel held six days of events including an experience sharing conference and march. Zhuan Falun in Hebrew was officially released. On May 29, 2009, Zhuan Falun in Turkish was officially published and available in bookstores.

Falun Dafa in the Middle East

On October 26, 2009, Falun Dafa practitioners in Israel held the fifth Falun Dafa Cultivation Experience Sharing Conference in Jerusalem. Fifteen practitioners shared their cultivation experience on stage.

Participating in community event to spread Falun Gong

The annual Grand Parade during Sukkot, a traditional holiday in Israel, was held in Jerusalem on October 2, 2007. Tens of thousands of Israelis from every corner of the nation came to Jerusalem to see the parade. Delegations from many countries came to watch the parade, too. As in past years, Falun Gong practitioners in Israel were invited to participate in the parade.

Exposing the Persecution of Falun Gong

On August 15, 2009, a group of Turkish Falun Gong practitioners held a rally in Istanbul's famous Taksim Square to expose the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong. They called on the Turkish people to help to put an end to the decade-long brutal persecution.

Mainstream media pay attention to the Persecution of Falun Gong

On July 20 2006, Israeli Falun Gong practitioners held an anti-torture exhibit and photo exhibit on Rabin Square in Tel Aviv. Practitioners collected several hundred signatures protesting the persecution.

From January 10 to 22, 2009, the Truth-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition was held in Mersin, a southern Turkish city. The exhibition was welcomed by local people and caught the attention of mainstream media. Local newspapers, magazine and TV stations covered the event before and during the event.