Detroit’s Jewish community was reeling Sunday after the fatal stabbing of local synagogue leader Samantha Woll, who was described at her funeral as a kind and selfless woman devoted to her family and faith — with one calling her “the most beloved person in Detroit.” “
Detroit Police Chief James E. White said in an email that while police are investigating, there is no evidence so far that the slaying of the 40-year-old politically connected activist was motivated by anti-Semitism.
At her funeral on Sunday, family and friends remembered Woll as a beautiful soul with a sparkling smile who always tried to help those around her.
“You are the kindest, most generous human being I have ever met,” her sister, Monica, said at the heartbreaking ceremony. “If someone compliments something of yours, you take it off and give it to them.”
“There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for your family and friends,” he continued. “Your soul is beautiful and pure. You love with all your heart. You never say no – but, ‘How can I help?’”
“This shouldn’t happen,” he said. “A light has gone out in Detroit, in our hearts, for our people, for the world.”
Samantha Woll, 40, was found stabbed to death outside her Detroit home Saturday morning. AP
Detroit police found Woll’s body at about 6:30 a.m. Saturday when they responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive person outside her home in the city’s Lafayette Park neighborhood, according to multiple reports.
They also found a trail of blood leading from the suspected crime scene to his residence, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Police had not announced any arrests as of Sunday or provided any motive as to why anyone wanted to kill Woll.
Woll is the head of her synagogue, an activist and a staunch supporter of Israel.AP Police have said the public should not jump to conclusions and link Woll’s killing to the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine. AFP via Getty Images
Authorities have warned the public not to jump to conclusions – despite the politically charged atmosphere created by the escalating war between Israel and the Palestinians.
“I again ask the public to remain patient while our investigators and law enforcement partners continue their work,” White said in a statement on Sunday. “Everything that can be done to close this matter is being called into service.
The Michigan Anti-Defamation League has also asked the public to “refrain from speculating” until more information is available.
Woll has led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022 and previously worked for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and on the re-election campaign of Attorney General Dana Nessel, both Democrats, the Free Press reported.
A friend and colleague described Woll (left) as “the most beloved person in Detroit.” Jamie Feldman/Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
“He was an extraordinary, loving, sweet, loving person,” Rabbi Asher Lopatin, a member of the Jewish Community Relations Council in Detroit, told The Post on Sunday.
Lopatin worked with Woll for five years, and called her a “proud Jewish woman” and a tireless supporter of Israel.
“He is a staple of not only the Jewish community, but our interfaith community and Detroit,” he said. “I was so shocked and in disbelief when I heard the news … How could something like this happen to the most loved person in Detroit?”
At his funeral, Ariana Silverman, Woll’s rabbi, said Woll was always ready to grab a chair, greet a newcomer or recite the Torah.
“When I thanked her … she would say, ‘Thank you for the honor,'” Silverman said, calling Woll part of the community.
Police found Woll dead outside her home in the city’s Lafayette Park section. AFP via Getty Images
“The priority is to engage with people,” Silverman said. “Sam has an uncanny ability to listen carefully to everyone he talks to.”
“He certainly has his own convictions, but he really will listen to different ideas,” Silverman said. “And he had this uncanny ability to say, ‘Let me think about it, and I’ll get back to you.’”
Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang went to college with Woll, whom she remembers as a “relentlessly positive” person with a big heart, a beautiful smile and a deep and abiding love for her family, her faith and Detroit.
“She’s really passionate about social justice and equality — very smart, very creative, an amazing supporter,” Chang told FOX’s LiveNOW, adding that Woll worked as her campaign manager during her most recent run.
“She really knows how to make everyone feel included and valued,” Chang said. “He was really a friend to a lot of people … just always doing everything he could to make a difference to people.”
Michigan state Sen. Stephanie Chang said Woll was happy and fun when she saw him the night before her murder. Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
Chang said she sat next to Woll at a mutual friend’s wedding the night before she died — and Woll didn’t seem bothered in any way.
“He’s happy, he’s having fun,” Chang said. “My last memories of him will always be happy and positive.”
Woll had just spearheaded a major renovation at his synagogue, Chang said.
Now, the new building may become his legacy.
“Honestly, the most lasting impact will … be represented by that space,” Chang said. “It’s a gathering place, a community space — not only for Jews, but also for Detroiters, for the community.”
“He impacts each and every one of us by constantly making a difference for his community,” Chang said. “And really all of his passion is to make a difference for everyone.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
