Abdallah siblings remembered for feeding the needy
Three of the children killed by an alleged drunk driver have been remembered for helping the needy in Sydney’s west as their surviving family member underwent surgery for facial injuries.
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Three of the children killed by an alleged drunk driver have been remembered for feeding meals to the needy in Sydney’s west as messages of support poured in from across the country.
As tributes to the family continue to pour in, the City of Parramatta Council has installed temporary lighting at the Oatlands crash site due to the number of people paying their respects in the evenings.
Abdallah siblings Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna, 8, died at the scene alongside their cousin Veronique Sakr, 11, while on an evening walk on Saturday.
The siblings had regularly helped serve meals to the homeless in Blacktown with their parents on Friday nights before their deaths, the Team Jesus Foundation said.
“They stood in line with the adult team members to serve food and to give a smile to those who needed it most,” the charity said in a statement on social media.
“In fact, these little angels used to encourage or rather insist on their parents to take them to Blacktown on Friday night so they could serve, not the other way (around).
“By this, they set an example to all other children to do the same and they made a huge impression on everyone who met them at this community service.
“Not only did they serve at tables, but they insisted on praying for the people whom we served.”
The death of the four children also moved Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who on Tuesday released a statement saying Australians would keep the memory of them in their hearts.
“Like everyone across the country, Jen and I feel such incredible sadness for the Abdallah and Sakr families who have lost their angels — Antony, Angelina, Sienna and Veronique — in the terrible incident at Oatlands in Sydney,” Mr Morrison said.
“It's impossible to comprehend what they are facing, and will face. It is the most heartbreaking of things.
“They will be grieving beyond imagination. But the strength they have shown and the faith they have is holding them together and humbles us all.”
Meanwhile, grandmother Georgette Abdallah visited the crash site on Tuesday and said the tragedy was “too much to handle”.
“Please pray for us,” she said. “Pray for my son and his wife and all of us. Give us strength.”
She said the three Abdallah children were “angels on earth”.
“My grandson wanted to build a prayer room at his house,” she said. “Angelina sleeps with a rosary in her hand. Every time she sees tears in my eyes she cries.
“And Sienna, that’s my cheeky girl. She’s beautiful. They were my treasure. They promised to look after me when I get old.”
Accompanied by an entourage of family and friends, Veronique’s parents Bridget and Bob Sakr on Tuesday made a heartbreaking visit to the site of the tragedy.
Mr Sakr told mourners to “remember to smile, make jokes and things.”
Close family friend Natalie Baini, who is a spokeswoman for the Sakr family, said the family were touched by the outpouring of support.
“Today is really a time to reflect upon the memory of our beautiful little girl Veronique,” she said.
“There’s been an enormous outpouring of grief and love from the local community right throughout Australia and we are eternally grateful for the support we have all received.”
Ms Sakr, who recited prayers next to a shrine where her daughter died, was supported by her partner Craig Mackenzie.
A surviving family member of the Abdallah family, who cannot be named for legal reasons, underwent surgery after the crash for facial injuries. A relative told the Telegraph on Tuesday that he had told her the three killed children would always be with them in spirit.
“She had surgery and she got stitches … she has a cut on her face,” the relative said.
“I told her they’ve gone to be with the lord and they’ll always be with us — in spirit, they will.”
Samuel Davidson, 29, who is the son of a former police officer, was allegedly three times the legal blood alcohol limit when his car collided with the children.
Rugby league stalwart Tim Mannah said he was “heartbroken” by the news.
Mannah, who played more than 200 games for the Parramatta Eels, said he had always admired his cousin, Danny Abdallah, who is the grieving father of the three siblings.
“I have looked up to my cousin Danny since I was a kid,” he wrote on Instagram.
“His wife, Leila, is an actual hero. She raises (her) kids with ease and grace. Her life revolves around them. And just like that, they've lost three children.”
Hundreds of people have visited the crash site to lay flowers and show support for the grieving families.
Tuesday's front page of The Daily Telegraph showing the Abdallah family with the headline “We are all your family” was placed at the site.
Originally published as Abdallah siblings remembered for feeding the needy