Annual ‘i4give Day’ launched to urge people to reflect on forgiveness

Leila and Danny Abdallah have launched an annual day of forgiveness ahead of the anniversary of the crash that took the lives of three of their four children.

It was a day of sorrow and remembrance, but above all for the Abdallah family, Sunday was a day of forgiveness.

Marking the first anniversary of the deaths of their three children and niece — killed by a drunk driver while out for a walk — Leila and Danny Abdallah joined friends, family and politicians including Prime Minister Scott Morrison for a memorial service for the inaugural ‘‘i4give Day’’.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian attends the launch of I4Give Day, which was set up by the families of four children killed by a drunk driver a year ago. Picture: Adam Taylor

Prime Minister Scott Morrison joins Ms Berejiklian and the families in releasing doves. Picture: Adam Taylor

The Abdallahs shared their emotional journey to forgiving the driver behind the wheel of the car who killed their children Antony, Angelina and ­Sienna, and their cousin Veronique Sakr.

“Forgiveness gives you freedom and allows you to live your life peacefully,” Mrs Abdallah said.

“Forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give yourself.”