Lisa Mayoh: Abdallah family teaching us the value of forgiveness and friendship

The Abdallahs have taken stock of what’s important – and if my son’s encounter with their gorgeous little Alex at a Bulldogs game is anything to go by — they’re doing everything right, writes Lisa Mayoh.

“Hi – I’m Alex, what’s your name? Come and play!” is how my shy nine-year-old was greeted by a boy he’d never met at the Bulldogs game on Monday night.

The boy was … electric. You could feel his positivity, his warmth radiating as he bounced around the room, a hand full of hot chips and smile as big as the cheer when Lachie Galvin scored a try in his debut game for the team that went on to thrash the Eels, just as the stadium of 59,878 fans had hoped they would.

That boy was Alex Abdallah, son of Danny and Leila, who in 2020 lost three of their precious children and a niece to the tragedy that changed everything. And then – a day after that drunk and drugged driver killed their innocent kids who were just walking to get an ice cream – they forgave him. Changing us, too.

“He’s very empathetic … especially since the tragedy,” Danny tells me quietly when I comment on how beautiful his son was to include mine.

“He feels things. It made him appreciate everything. And see the good in people.”

Stephen Crichton with little Jack Mayoh after the Bulldogs v Eels game.

Next to Danny was Premier Chris Minns, with a mouthful of a meat pie and, like every other fan, grumbling about a contentious call by the ref that saw Kikau sin-binned for 10 nailbiting minutes (do I sound like I know a lot about rugby league? I don’t, but I’m learning, so thank you!).

Behind Minns was former PM Scott Morrison. To the right, Bankstown MP Jihad Dib. Not politicians tonight. It was a bunch of mates at the footy. The people who rallied around the Abdallahs as they grieved, and forgave, and shifted our mindsets so significantly.

Danny and Leila Abdallah with their children, including Alex, left. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Not only was it a stunning Bulldogs’ victory, it was extra special for the sea of blue and white, as the annual i4Give Cup raised money and awareness for the foundation Danny and Leila started in honour of their lost little ones.

Down in the locker room after the game, Bulldogs players were just as generous, signing jerseys and taking photos with fans who idolise them. The spirit of the win filtered through from a team at the top of their game, taking stock of what’s important.

Just like the Abdallahs do. And if their gorgeous little Alex is anything to go by, they’re doing everything right. Raising good humans. Surrounded by good humans. In a split second, Alex lost three of his siblings and a cousin.

He has cried more times than anyone should – and yet he believes in good. That was clear just by the way he welcomed my son to play with his friends – without being prompted, without rolling his eyes, without a second thought. It was inherent.

He’s lived through enough to know people should be treated with kindness. Just like his folks. Because thanks to the Abdallahs, all is forgiven (yep, even the bad call against Kikau).

Originally published as Lisa Mayoh: Abdallah family teaching us the value of forgiveness and friendship