The Jewish community in Detroit 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, dedicated to her family and her faith, and one person called 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 to suggest the murder 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 lovely soul with a bright smile who always tried to help those around her.
“You were the kindest and most generous person I have ever met,” his sister Monica said at the heartbreaking ceremony. “If someone complimented you on something of yours, you would take it off and give it to them.”
“There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for your family and friends,” he continued. “Your soul was beautiful and pure. You loved with all your heart. You never said no, but rather, ‘How can I help?’”
“This wasn’t supposed to 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 around 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 scene of the alleged crime to his residence, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Police had not announced any arrests as of Sunday or given any reason why anyone would have wanted to kill Woll.
Woll was a leader of her synagogue, an activist and a tireless defender of Israel. AP Police have said the public should not jump to conclusions and connect Woll’s murder 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 Palestine.
“I again ask the community to be patient as our investigators and law enforcement partners continue their work,” White said in Sunday’s statement. “Everything that can be done to close this matter is being put into practice.
The Michigan chapter of the Anti-Defamation League also asked the public to “refrain from speculation” until more information is available.
Woll had led the Isaac Agree Synagogue in downtown Detroit since 2022 and previously worked for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and Attorney General Dana Nessel’s re-election campaign, both Democrats, the Free Press reported.
A friend and co-worker described Woll (left) as the “most beloved person in Detroit.” Jamie Feldman/Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
“She was an incredible, loving, sweet, caring 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.
“She was a staple not only of the Jewish community, but also of our interfaith community and of Detroit,” he said. “I was in complete shock and 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 sing the Torah.
“When I thanked her… she would respond, ‘Thank you for the honor,’” Silverman said, calling Woll an integral part of the community.
Police found Woll dead outside her home in the Lafayette Park section of the city. AFP via Getty Images
“His priority was interacting with people,” Silverman said. “Sam had an incredible willingness to listen carefully to each and every person he spoke to.”
“She certainly had her own convictions, but she really listened to different ideas,” Silverman continued. “And she had the remarkable ability to say, ‘Let me think about it and I’ll get back to you.’”
Michigan state Sen. Stephanie Chang went to college with Woll, whom she remembered as an “endlessly positive” person with a big heart, a beautiful smile and a deep, abiding love for her family, her faith and Detroit.
“She was really passionate about social justice and equity; she was very smart, really creative, and an amazing, supportive friend,” Chang told FOX’s LiveNOW, adding that Woll worked as her campaign manager during her most recent election. .
“She really knew how to make everyone feel included and valued,” Chang said. “She was truly a friend to so many people…she constantly went out of her way to make a difference for people.”
Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang said Woll was happy and having fun when he saw her the night before her murder. Isaac Agree Center Synagogue
Chang said he sat next to Woll at a mutual friend’s wedding the night before her death, and Woll did not seem fazed in any way.
“She was happy, she was having fun,” Chang said. “My last memories of her will always be very happy and positive.”
Woll had just spearheaded a massive renovation at his synagogue, Chang said.
Now, that new building will likely be his legacy.
“Honestly, the most lasting impact will be…represented by whatever that space is,” Chang said. “It’s a gathering place, a community space, not just for Jews, but for Detroiters, for the community.”
“She made an impact on each of us by consistently making a difference for her community,” Chang said. “And really just her whole passion for making a difference for everyone.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn