In a display of Christian forgiveness, Danny Abdallah, the Sydney father who tragically lost three children in a 2020 crash caused by a drunk driver, has opened up about his decision to forgive the man responsible, Samuel Davidson.
As monitored by GospelRaw, Abdallah, appearing on The Kyle & Jackie O Show and in a moving 7NEWS Spotlight documentary, explained that his choice was deeply rooted in both his faith and the need to support his surviving children and preserve his marriage.
“Do I pour bitterness, anger, and revenge, or love, compassion, and forgiveness?” Abdallah said, reflecting on the unimaginable pain he has faced. He also noted that studies show 65 percent of marriages fail after the loss of a single child, let alone three. “I chose forgiveness, not only for my faith, but for my family,” he added.
The documentary highlights an emotional moment when Abdallah visited Davidson in prison.
The encounter, which took place in one of Australia’s most secure prisons, revealed the deep remorse Davidson feels for the lives he took.
“Danny, I’m really sorry to you and your whole family for what I’ve done. I’ll regret it for the rest of my life,” Davidson admitted. To this, Abdallah replied, “Yeah, I’ve forgiven you already.”
Davidson, who is serving a 20-year sentence with a non-parole period of 15 years, expressed how the forgiveness impacted him. “It meant that I’ve got a second chance at life… he’s given me everything,” he said.
Abdallah explained that he didn’t want to remain in a state of bitterness, and chose to focus on healing. “I could see that he’s living in a place of guilt. I chose to forgive him early and focus on my family,” Abdallah said.
This act of forgiveness, centered on Christian beliefs, has not only shaped Davidson’s life but has also allowed the Abdallah family to begin healing.
The Abdallah family’s journey of forgiveness has extended beyond their personal lives. Through their i4give Foundation, they continue to promote messages of grace and reconciliation, encouraging others to embrace love and forgiveness instead of revenge.
The foundation’s efforts have inspired many, particularly within Australia’s Christian community.
Davidson had been speeding while under the influence of alcohol and drugs when his car struck Abdallah’s children—Sienna, 8, Angelina, 12, and Antony, 13—and their cousin, Veronique Sakr, 11, as they were walking to buy ice cream. The crash also left another child, Charbel Kassas, 11, in a coma which she recovered from after two months.
While Danny Abdallah has maintained a public stance of forgiveness, he has also stated that whether Davidson spends 100 years or just one more day in prison, it does not change his feelings.
“It doesn’t make me feel any different. At the end of the day, I’ve still got three other kids. I need to be a father to them,” Abdallah explained. His focus has always been on moving forward with his family.
Leila Abdallah, Danny’s wife, noted that she hopes to one day meet Davidson, saying she would welcome him into her home.
She stated that although the pain is immense, their goal is to live without hate.
“Danny and my family we try our best not to hate. We get angry, of course, we get upset. We are broken from what happened and we will never recover but we try not to hold grudges,” Leila said.
Davidson, who converted to Maronite Catholicism during his time in prison, has shown a deep transformation, largely inspired by the Abdallah family’s actions.
“He has found God and he is sorry for what he has done,” Leila said, highlighting the profound impact of their forgiveness on Davidson’s life.
In their interviews, both Danny and Leila Abdallah have emphasized that while their personal grief is unrelenting, they find peace in the power of empathy and compassion.
“We have no joy, but we find peace in forgiveness,” Leila explained.
Danny Abdallah has shared that during his first prison visit, he saw firsthand the remorse Davidson carried.
“No one has impacted my life, outside of my parents, my wife, and my kids – no one’s changed my life more than this man,” Abdallah reflected.
His willingness to meet with Davidson was about moving forward in the most constructive way possible.
