A Detroit synagogue president was found fatally stabbed outside her home Saturday morning.
Samantha Woll, 40, led the congregation of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue. The synagogue confirmed Woll’s death Saturday in a statement writing, “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President.”
“May her memory be a blessing,” the statement continued.
Authorities said a 911 call was made to Woll’s home early Saturday, reporting an individual lying on the ground unresponsive. Police discovered multiple stab wounds on Woll’s body and found a trail of blood leading to her house, where they believe the crime occurred.
An investigation is underway. At this time, the motive for the crime remains unknown.
Local Jew in Detroit here. Woll was my friends’ cousin. Another friend was in elementary school with her at Hillel.
People are shook up and scared. People aren’t sure if this is the crest of a wave of antisemitic violence, or something more senseless.
My 3 kids are half Jewish through my ex wife. I hear you and I had a chat with them this morning about this. Although I’m in Toronto, Canada the same bigots are here and have been empowered by the same vitriolic rhetoric floating around.
I told them that hate is hate and if they hear it directed specifically at them or a Muslim in their school (friends with Iranians) for them to report to the teachers and to me. Hate will not be tolerated.
Please stay safe.
My daughter is also half-Jewish (I’m Jewish, my wife is not). I’m always worried about her getting bullied in school for it. I tell her to never tell anyone.
One of her elementary school teachers just assumed she was Jewish because I look stereotypically Jewish and treated her differently because of it.
I hear you and as a parent it’s so sad knowing a child is being told to hide their identity.
Hugs from afar. There are many of us non-Jews out there that don’t condone this bullshit.
Stay safe.
Thanks, I appreciate it!
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Just in general, antisemitic hate crimes have been disproportionate for a pretty long time, regardless of the situation in Gaza.