The parents of three children who were allegedly killed by a driver high on drugs as they rode their bikes to get ice cream have shared an Easter message of forgiveness.
Leila and Danny Abdallah have said prayer and faith have kept them going after the unthinkable tragedy in which their children Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna Abdalleah, 9, were killed.
Veronique Sakr, 11, who is the daughter of their cousin was also killed in the crash.
In their Good Friday message, Mr and Mrs Abdallah had a poignant comment for a world in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, saying our job as a community is to build rather than criticise.
Leila and Danny Abdallah have said prayer and faith have kept them going after the unthinkable tragedy in which their children Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna Abdalleah, 9, were killed
In their Good Friday message, Mr and Mrs Abdallah had a poignant comment for a world in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, saying our job as a community is to build rather than criticise
Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna Abdalleah, 9, were killed and Veronique Sakr, 11, who is the daughter of their cousin was also killed in the crash
‘All five of them, as they lay helplessly on the floor took me to the moment of the Crucifixion. My natural reaction was kneeling down and praying.’ Mrs Addallah told 7News.
Mr Abdallah said that we should be encouraging and helping one another, even more so during difficult times.
‘I know that we as humans on Earth have the ability to love abundantly. The most valuable attributes we have are faith, family, forgiveness, and above all love,” Mrs Abdallah said.
To those families confined to their homes this weekend and to those who can’t visit their families in person, Mr Abdallah had some advice.
‘Say I love you as if it is our last day,’ he said.
Mrs Abdallah said last month that praying had given her strength ans thanked those people who had supported the family with love through the tragedy.
”I would like to thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, kind words, messages, gifts and all your help. Danny and I are so blessed to have each and everyone of you in our lives,’ Mrs Abdallah said on a blog page setup as a tribute to the children.
”Now, I know the world is going crazy because of the coronavirus, but what’s keeping me strong in the midst of losing my kids is the power of prayer.’
It has been ten weeks since the tragedy on the Oatlands street in western Sydney that shocked Australia.
The three Abdallah children and Veronique were walking among a group of seven to get ice cream on February 1 when they were mowed down.
From left to right: surviving daughter Leanna, 10, the couple’s two surviving twin boys, Leila, Sienna, 9, Angelina, 12, and Antony, 13
Samuel William Davidson, 29, had allegedly spent the day drinking by the pool of his home when he drove to the nearby Caltex service station.
As he drove down the hill on Bettington Road on his way home he allegedly reached speeds of between 100km/h and 130km/h before losing control and ploughing his 4WD into the group.
Davidson had 14 new charges added in Parramatta Local Court on April 1.
The new charges Davidson is facing include four counts of aggravated dangerous driving under the influence of MDMA, four counts of aggravated dangerous driving at 45km/h over the speed limit and six other charges – including refusing to give his details to police at the scene.
Samuel William Davidson, 29, had allegedly spent the day drinking by the pool of his residence when he drove to the nearby Caltex service station he is charged over the crash
The new charges follow 20 offences he is already charged with including four counts of manslaughter and high-range drink driving.
In addition to the deaths of the four children, their cousin Charbel Kassas remains in hospital but is still facing a ‘very long recovery’.
A 40-day mass for the children was held in March at Our Lady of Lebanon co-cathedral in Parramatta.
Mr Abdallah at a 40-day mass held in Parramatta for the four children in March
Hundreds attended the church service in Sydney west in March
Mr and Mrs Abdallah and their surviving daughter Leanna wore white to the service which was attended by hundreds.
‘Our hearts are in a lot of pain and our minds cannot fully comprehend all that has happened,’ Mr Abdallah said at the service.
‘However as for me, me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Please, do what only you can do to give us strength.
‘We know Antony, Angelina, Sienna and Veronique are in glory with you. You called them home at this time and I trust you know best.’
The archbishop of St Mary’s cathedral has invited Leila to read on Easter Sunday.
Mr and Mrs Abdallah and their surviving children at the 40-day memorial service
Mr and Mrs Abdallah and their surviving daughter Leanna wore white to the service which was attended by hundreds