The Abdallah family, who tragically lost three of their children in the devastating Oatlands crash of 2020, have released a poignant family portrait that highlights their resilience and strength. Danny and Leila Abdallah posted the image on social media, showing themselves alongside their five surviving children – Liana, Alex, Michael, Selina, and Mary – all dressed in white. The photo was taken as a tribute to their lost children: Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna, 8, whose picture they displayed prominently in the portrait.
The tragic accident occurred on February 1, 2020, in Oatlands, western Sydney, when a drunk and drug-influenced driver, Samuel William Davidson, ploughed into a group of seven children, killing the Abdallahs’ three children and their cousin Veronique Sakr, 11, on impact. Another child, Charbel Kassas, 11, suffered severe injuries and spent months in a coma. Davidson, now 34, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 15 years.
Finding Strength in Forgiveness
Alongside the photo, Danny and Leila Abdallah shared a heartfelt message emphasizing their faith and the power of forgiveness: “My family is my greatest blessing, filling my life with love, strength, and joy. Antony, Angelina, and Sienna are present with us in everything we do.” Their decision to forgive Davidson stems from their Christian faith and their desire to move forward for the sake of their surviving children.
The family’s journey of forgiveness took an extraordinary turn when Danny Abdallah met with Davidson at Cessnock Correctional Centre, an emotional meeting captured in a televised special by Channel Seven. During the encounter, the two men prayed together, marking a profound moment of reconciliation. Speaking about the meeting, Danny revealed that he has already forgiven Davidson and communicates with him regularly. “Whether it’s 100 years or one day, it’s not going to make me feel any different,” Danny stated, explaining that his focus is on healing and raising his remaining children.
A Legacy of Forgiveness and Remembrance
In honor of his children, the Abdallah family has established i4give Day, an annual event held on February 1 to promote forgiveness and honor the lives lost in the crash. Additionally, a permanent memorial has been set up at the crash site outside Oatlands Golf Club, serving as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and a symbol of resilience and hope.
During his interview, Davidson expressed deep remorse for his actions and detailed his transformation after the accident. He converted to the Maronite Catholic faith, adopted by the Abdallah family, and now advocates against drunk driving. “It’s a shame that I had to enjoy life under the influence of alcohol or anything like that to enjoy it,” Davidson said, pledging to use his experience to warn others of the dangers of intoxicated driving.
For the Abdallah family, forgiveness does not negate their pain but provides a path toward healing. “At the end of the day, I’ve still got three other kids. I need to be a father too and a husband to my wife, and it’s already hard enough,” explained Danny. Their incredible journey of faith and forgiveness continues to inspire the community, standing as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Spreading Awareness and Advocating Change
As their story garners attention worldwide, the Abdallah family aims to spread awareness about the tragic consequences of reckless decisions like drunk driving. Their advocacy for forgiveness and community support has resonated with many, showing that even in unimaginable tragedy, there is room for hope and resilience.
