- Samantha Woll, 40, was found dead outside her home in Detroit
A Detroit synagogue president was found stabbed to death outside her home in the city’s downtown Saturday morning.
Samantha Woll, 40, has been the leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022 and previously worked for Democratic politicians including Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Woll’s body was discovered after a trail of blood led to her home, where she was found with multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement following the Jewish leaders’ deaths, Attorney General Dana Nessel said Woll was murdered.
“I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder,” said Nessel, for whom Woll also worked in her re-election campaign.
“Sam was the kindest person I have ever known.” She was driven by her genuine love for her community, her state and her country. Sam has truly used her faith and commitment to create a better place for everyone.”
Police say they are still investigating the crime and that neither motive nor cause of death have been officially released.
“We have no further information at this time, but will share more as it becomes available,” said her synagogue, which called her death “unexpected.”
“May her memory be a blessing.”
In June, Woll was named to the Detroit Jewish News’ “36 Under 36” list, which described her as a “social justice and political activist.”
“She was instrumental in founding the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit – a grassroots collective of young adults of both faiths who meet in partnership to learn, celebrate and build community,” the glowing profile reads.
“The Forum has helped build and deepen important relationships between the young Jewish and Muslim communities that did not previously exist by hosting revolutionary events, including an interfaith Iftar dinner welcoming Syrian refugees.”
“By reaching out and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she exemplified the values of healing the world.”
“Sam is also co-chair of the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Detroit Young Leadership Program and an active member of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue.”