22 October 2023 , 21:45
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As Jewish synagogue president Samantha Woll was laid to rest, her younger sister delivered a heart-breaking speech in which she broke down, telling her big sister she felt like she was "about to take up from a horrible nightmare".
40-year-old Samantha, head of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue in Detroit, Michigan, was found dead outside her home yesterday morning. Police arrived at around 6.30am to find a "trail of blood" leading to her home before they discovered Samantha with multiple stab wounds.
Friends, family, loved ones and members of the community came together this afternoon to remember the much-loved activist with political connections. Samantha, known as Sam to loved ones, was big sister to Monica Woll Rosen, who gave a eulogy, saying: "Dear Sam, how is this your funeral? I do not understand.
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Samantha Woll's sister breaks down at funeral to synagogue leader stabbed to death (hebrewmemorial.org)"I can't imagine life without you, I've never had a life without you, you were my life. You were the kindest, most generous human I've ever met. Whenever someone would say 'tell me about your sister' I would answer 'there is literally not anyone more caring or thoughtful than you'. If someone complimented something of yours, you took it off and gave it to them.
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"There is nothing you wouldn't do for your family and friends. Your soul was beautiful and pure. You loved with all your heart. You never said no, but how can I help? You loved my kids as your own. The bond you shared with them will always remain in our hearts."
She continued: "You were the glue of our family. You were my older sister, you taught me, you protected me. You loved me with all your heart. You so deeply wanted peace for this world, you fought for everyone regardless of who they were or where they came from. You were the definition of a leader.
Samantha Woll was president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit (AP)"Our world is shattered without you, you brought us light. The last text message you sent was a heart to a friend, just because. You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know you were thinking of them because you cared. The outpouring of love for you today is a token to your many friendships, there isn't a soul on this planet who didn't adore you."
Monica went on to talk of how a friend of Samantha's had received flowers from her for her birthday yesterday, after Samantha was already dead. She talked of how her big sister had signed the card from not just herself but family members because she "knew it would make the receiver happy and the others would have wanted to say happy birthday if they knew it was your birthday".
Samantha's sister Monica shared a eulogy at her older sister's funeral (hebrewmemorial.org)She went on to describe her sister as an "artist" who made "beautiful paintings" that hang both in the family's homes and in Monica's office. She spoke of Samantha's love of learning languages, opera and teaching Monica's children.
"They soaked up whatever knowledge you imparted on them," she said. "You brought them books from around the world. Every birthday was markers and books.
"You wanted to open their eyes and let them be creative. You brought them stickers - political stickers for whatever campaign you were on at the time. They loved learning about politics with you."
Monica went on to quote a tribute written by one of her friends, who described how Samantha "dedicated her life to creating opportunity for everyone, everywhere". She went on to describe Samantha as a "model Jewish citizen who forged a path for herself and countless others to feel more connected with local community, Israel and the whole of humanity."
Samantha Woll poses with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in her 2022 campaign (AP)Addressing her sister, Monica broke down, saying: "Sam I feel like I'm about to wake up from a horrible nightmare and you will be next to me holding me and hugging me.
"This was not supposed to happen. I will never understand why it did. A light has gone out in Detroit, in our hearts, for our people, for the world."
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Quoting Bereshit, the first book of the Torah, she said: "What have you done? Hark, your brother's blood cries out to me from Earth. Your memory will be a blessing, I promise you that, and I promise to take care of mum and dad always. We love you so much."
Samantha Woll was a prominent activist (Facebook)Speaking at the service, Rabbi Asher Lopatin said: "There are adequate no words today with which to try to mitigate our pain or console, that's why we've come together in despair and we acknowledge that words are of little help. Perhaps our just being here together will have to suffice to express the sentiment which goes beyond words.
"It is nearly impossible to believe that Sam is gone so suddenly and so tragically. Her death leaves us sad at the thought of unfinished years and yet we will try today to try to find some sort of consolation from memories we have."
Detroit Police continue to investigate Samantha's murder and have asked the public not to draw quick conclusions about a potential motive, especially given her position as president of the synagogue amid the Israel-Hamas war. In an update on Sunday, Police Chief James White said there is no evidence the murder was "motivated by antisemitism".