(Minghui.org) On October 7, 2023, a sudden attack was launched against Israel, and more than 1,500 civilians and soldiers died. Children, women, and the elderly were killed or taken hostage. The horrors of this event sent shockwaves of fear and depression throughout the land. 

Falun Dafa practitioners realized that now more than ever, the Israeli people needed a way to find stability and peace despite the violence and grief. To meet this need, they conducted webinars to teach their mind-body cultivation practice. 

Attendees said these webinars offered a spot of solace in a chaotic time, and many expressed their gratitude toward the organizers for giving them hope in this time of war. 

The Israeli Falun Dafa webinar homepage.

Organizing the Webinars 

The webinar format is not a new initiative for the Israeli practitioners. Since the COVID pandemic, Falun Dafa practitioners around the world have hosted webinars to introduce the practice and teach the exercises to the general public. 

In Israel, these webinars have been held once a week followed by two group exercises sessions online, especially for new learners. But after the attacks on October 7, the organizing team had to decide if it was worth continuing their sessions or not. 

“Before the first webinar [that took place after the beginning of the war] the whole team got together to read the Fa and share their understanding,” said Adi, the webinar coordinator. “It helped us to break free from the tension, to remember that we are Dafa disciples and to regain the strength to stay focused and rational and teach others.”

They decided to continue their efforts for those people who might be looking for a way out in this challenging time. A group of practitioners prepared content that was designed to enable attendees to gain mental strength from the practice of Falun Dafa in this time of national disaster and personal tragedy. 

“Hope and Relief” 

In the two webinars that have been held since the fighting broke out, the practitioners on the call started with a presentation that introduces Falun Dafa and the persecution of the practice in China by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Then, they proceeded with a demonstration of the five exercises. 

“People’s reactions were positive and touching. After the webinar, all the participants were welcomed to join the exercises online,” said the coordinator. 

Each session had around ten participants, making for an intimate setting where learners can receive detailed instruction. Their feedback after the webinar included many words of gratitude. 

“Thank you, dears,” wrote one participant. “Every speck of hope and relief from these atrocities is a blessing! Thank you for spreading hope and connecting me to the power of life in a time of tragedy to our nation.” 

Another participant was impressed by the energy of the exercises. “It was worthwhile to connect [to the webinar],” she said. “This is amazing! I feel heat all over my body.” 

Yet another participant left a message thanking the practitioners for their, “Generosity, professionalism, and wisdom.” She also said that it was, “really touching” when something positive like Falun Dafa can exist in a world that is too often filled with violence and hate. “This is why I want to thank you for introducing Falun Dafa to me. God is going to reward you for the good deed that you are doing,” wrote this participant. 

“Thanks for the tutorial yesterday,” wrote another participant. “You opened a door to a wonderful world for me.”

Other participants said they planned to continue practicing the exercises.