Sydney: Grieving father Danny Abdallah sits down with Samuel Davidson, five years after he killed four children by driving drunk and on drugs. In February 2020, a devastating crash in Oatlands, northwest Sydney, claimed the lives of siblings Antony, Angelina, and Sienna Abdallah, along with their cousin Veronique Sakr. The driver, Samuel William Davidson, was drunk, drug-affected, and three times over the legal alcohol limit when he lost control of his car. Davidson was later sentenced to 20 years in prison, with a 15-year non-parole period. Photo credits: 7News

A Father’s Extraordinary Step
Five years later, Danny Abdallah met Davidson inside a maximum-security prison. Instead of hatred, he offered words of mercy. “If it was up to me, I’d bring him out tomorrow,” he said. “Justice is having my kids back. Nothing else can give me that.” His words carried the weight of a man who chose faith over vengeance.

Forgiveness Rooted in True Faith
Danny and his wife Leila, devout Maronite Catholics, have consistently pointed to their Christian faith as the source of their strength. The Maronite Church is in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope in Rome, meaning they share the same core beliefs, sacraments, and teachings as all Catholics. For them, forgiveness is not weakness but a reflection of Christ’s teaching. “Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling, it doesn’t always require confronting the other person who hurt you—you can forgive in your heart,” Leila explained. “Forgiveness is for your peace, not for the other person.”

Choosing God First
Leila shared how her faith carried her through the darkest days. “The first thing I did was step three—I went on my knees, I prayed, and surrendered to God,” she said. “I had to sit in my faith for a while and then I chose to forgive before I even accepted what happened.” Her words highlight the depth of surrender required to walk with Christ in the midst of unbearable grief.

The Killer’s Apology
During the prison meeting, Davidson expressed remorse. “Danny, I’m really sorry—for your family, your friends, and everyone who was affected. I’ll regret it for the rest of my life,” he said. Abdallah’s reply was simple but profound: “I’ve forgiven you already. Thanks, brother.” The exchange revealed the transformative power of forgiveness rooted in faith.

A Movement of Forgiveness
Out of their sorrow, the Abdallahs launched the i4Give Foundation, inspiring people to choose forgiveness as a pathway to healing. They have spoken at prayer gatherings and even at the Vatican, carrying their message worldwide. Their story has become a living testimony of what it means to walk with Christ: to forgive when the world expects anger, and to find peace in God when everything else is lost.