In a powerful display of faith and forgiveness, Danny Abdallah, a father whose three children were tragically killed by a drunk driver in Oatlands, Sydney, has met with the man responsible for the horrific crash. The meeting, which took place at Cessnock Correctional Centre, was part of a Seven News Spotlight interview, revealing the depth of Danny’s decision to forgive Samuel William Davidson.
The Tragedy That Changed Everything
In February 2020, siblings Sienna (8), Angelina (12), and Antony (13), along with their cousin Veronique Sakr (11), were out walking to get ice cream when Davidson, who was driving drunk, speeding, and under the influence of drugs, ploughed into them. The incident left four children dead instantly and another child, Charbel Kassas, severely injured, spending two months in a coma.
A Remarkable Act of Forgiveness
In the years following the tragedy, Danny and his wife Leila made the extraordinary decision to forgive Davidson, explaining that they did not want to harbor hate for the sake of their remaining children. During their emotional meeting, Danny revealed to Davidson that if it were up to him, he would release him from prison tomorrow, acknowledging that no amount of jail time could change the tragedy or ease his family’s pain.
“Whether it’s 100 years or one day, it’s not going to make me feel any different,” Danny shared. He emphasized that his focus is on his family and their healing, rather than seeking prolonged punishment for Davidson. Danny also explained that while justice is important for the community, his personal journey involved closure and forgiveness.
Davidson’s Transformation in Prison
Samuel Davidson, now 34, is currently serving a 20-year sentence with a non-parole period of 15 years. During the meeting, Davidson expressed deep remorse for his actions, apologizing to the Abdallah family, emergency responders, and the wider community. He admitted that he had lived a hard-drinking lifestyle prior to the crash, a reality he now regrets deeply.
Davidson also shared how he has converted to the Maronite Catholic faith, the same religion practiced by the Abdallah family. He credited their forgiveness as a major factor in his spiritual transformation. “It’s a shame that I had to live under the influence of alcohol to enjoy life. My thoughts about that are completely different now,” Davidson said.
A Legacy of Forgiveness
The Abdallah family has turned their unimaginable pain into action, founding ‘i4give Day‘ which is now recognized annually on February 1. This initiative encourages people worldwide to embrace forgiveness in their lives. In 2024, the family also unveiled a permanent memorial for the children at the crash site near Oatlands Golf Club, a space for the community to reflect and honor their memory.
Danny Abdallah explained that their decision to forgive Davidson was not only rooted in their Christian faith but was also essential for the sake of their marriage and the well-being of their surviving children. “At the end of the day, I’ve still got three other kids. I need to be a father to them and a husband to my wife. It’s already hard enough,” he said.
A Heartfelt Warning to Others
Davidson used his platform during the interview to warn others about the devastating consequences of drunk driving. With a decade still to serve in prison, he spoke about the importance of appreciating small freedoms, like opening and closing a door, something he yearns for when he’s eventually released from custody.
The Abdallah family’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of forgiveness and the impact it can have, not only on one’s own healing but also on the lives of others.
