Jewish Synagogue president found stabbed to death outside her home

21 October 2023 , 19:20

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Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel shared this image of her, right, with Samantha Woll, left, after news of her shocking death was revealed (Image: @dananessel/X)

The president of a local synagogue was found stabbed to death just outside her home on Friday. Her body was found with multiple stab wounds with a trail of blood leading to her home, the police said.

A politically active figure in her community, Samantha Woll, 40, was the leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue in Detroit, Michigan, in the US Midwest, and did work for the offices of two Democratic politicians - Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and Attorney General Dana Nessel, who was vying for re-election at the time of the brutal murder.

The Jewish woman was "as kind a person" as Nessel said she'd "ever known" and was "driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country," the Attorney General said in a statement on Twitter.

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Woll was beloved by her community and dedicated her life to serving it and her country (Linkedin)

"I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam's brutal murder," Nessel wrote. "Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone."

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Slotkin also took to Twitter and wrote: "She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents. Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness."

The synagogue where woll was the president is in Detroit (Google)

She added: "My heart aches that we have lost someone so dedicated to serving others in such a senseless act. I’ll miss her relentless desire to serve & her bright smile seemingly everywhere across the Detroit area. Team Slotkin shares in the deep grief of her family & her greater community."

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan also released a statement about Woll's death, saying he was heartbroken to learn that Woll, who was "one of Detroit's great young leaders," had been killed.

"Just weeks ago, I shared a day of joy with Sam at the dedication of the newly renovated Downtown Synagogue. It was a project she successfully led with great pride and enthusiasm," he said. "Sam’s loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community. This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death."

Woll volunteers for a political campaign she found herself invested in back in the day - a staple of her commitment to politics and the community (Facebook)

Woll's body was discovered in the 1300 block of Joliet Place in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood at around 6.30am after a neighbour called and alerted them to an unresponsive person lying on the ground. The police have said they believe the woman was killed inside her home and dragged outside.

The police don't yet have a possible motive, though they are investigating Woll's death to the best of their abilities, they said. Her synagogue called Woll's death "unexpected" and added that they don't yet have any more information, either, but will share it when it becomes available.

Woll was previously named to the 36 Under 36 by The Detroit Jewish News, which cited her political work and the foundation of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, which it described as "a grassroots collective of young adults of both faiths."

The publication said she "exemplified the values of healing the world," which, in the Jewish faith, is referred to as "tikkun olam."

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Many Facebook users flocked to the comments section of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue's post honouring Woll, remembering her or sharing their thoughts on what happened.

"Sam was a wonderful person, and a wonderful leader at the synagogue! May her memory be a blessing," wrote Julia Schlozman. "So sorry to hear this. Although I didn't know Sam I have heard her speak online and she brought a great energy to the shul. May her memory be a blessing," added Shelley Raminick Spaulding.

Several others commented on how much they'd miss her presence at services and her enthusiastic, passionate energy for her faith and those in the community.

Jeremiah Hassel