Author(s): Danny and Leila Abdallah

Biography

How a family came back from the unthinkable and forgave the driver who killed three of their children.
Nothing forewarned Danny and Leila Abdallah of the tragedy they would face on 1 February 2020. In one of the most horrific road accidents in Australian memory, three of their children and their young cousin were killed by a drunk and drugged driver. Yet in the immediate aftermath of their loss, the Abdallahs did something remarkable and unexpected- they publicly forgave the driver.
This gesture by the family - founded in their Christian faith and born out of a desire not to be shackled to what happened - has sustained them through all they have had to endure- the ensuing court sentencing, their ongoing grief and the rebuilding of their shattered lives.
It has also sparked a worldwide forgiveness movement, fronted by the Abdallahs' i4give Foundation and its annual i4give Week. And it has taken the family on a journey of their own, from a quiet life in the suburbs of Sydney to a public platform in the Vatican City at the request of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Moving and inspiring, this is the Abdallahs' story of faith, strength and resilience in the face of unthinkable adversity, and a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness and hope for all of us.