Samantha Woll was a prominent Jewish leader, Democratic activist, and politician in Detroit, Michigan. She was the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the city, and a former aide to several Democratic officials. She was also a passionate advocate for social justice, interfaith dialogue, and community building. She was tragically killed on October 21, 2023, at her home in Lafayette Park. She was 40 years old.
Age, Birthday & Birthplace
Samantha Woll was 40 years old when she died on October 21, 2023. She was born on June 15, 1983, in Detroit, Michigan. She celebrated her birthday every year with her family and friends. She was proud of her birthplace and loved the city of Detroit. She often posted pictures of her hometown on her social media accounts.
Family and Education
Samantha Heather Woll was born on June 15, 1983, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of Douglas and Margo Woll, and the sister of Monica Woll. She grew up in a Jewish family and attended Hillel Day School and Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in political science and history in 2005.
Career & Activism
Samantha Woll began her career as a political organizer and campaign manager for various Democratic candidates in Michigan. She worked as an aide to Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), a political director for Attorney General Dana Nessel, and a campaign manager for former Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.) and former state Sen. Steve Bieda (D-Mich.). She also served as a board member of the Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC of Detroit and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.
In 2018, Samantha Woll became the president of the board of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Detroit and the only one located in the downtown area. She was instrumental in revitalizing the synagogue and expanding its membership and programming. She also fostered strong relationships with other faith communities and civic organizations in the city. She was known for her warmth, generosity, and leadership skills.
Detroit Synagogue Leader’s Murder Shocks Community, Motive Still Unknown
Samantha, the president of the board of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit, was found stabbed to death outside her home on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The brutal killing of the 40-year-old Jewish activist and former congressional aide has left many unanswered questions and sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage from her family, friends, colleagues, and community members.
What happened to Samantha Woll?
According to the Detroit Police Department, Woll’s body was discovered around 6:30 a.m. by a passerby who called 911 to report a person lying on the ground unresponsive. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a “trail of blood” that led them to Woll’s residence, where they believe the crime took place. Woll had multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Chief James E. White said in a statement that the case had been assigned to the homicide unit for investigation and that no arrests had been made yet. He also said that the motive for the killing was not clear and that no evidence had surfaced suggesting that it was a hate crime motivated by antisemitism.
White asked for patience from the public while investigators carefully examined every aspect of the available evidence. He also said that police were working with the FBI and the Michigan State Police to analyze forensic evidence and interview “individuals with information that may further this investigation.”
On Monday, October 23, White said that investigators had identified several “persons of interest” in the case, but no one person could be publicly deemed a prime suspect. He also reiterated that there was no indication of a hate crime and that he believed the motivation was “very different.”
“We believe that there are no other groups or anyone else at risk. We believe this incident was not motivated by antisemitism and this suspect acted alone,” White said.
Who was Samantha Woll?
Samantha was a prominent leader in the Detroit Jewish community and a passionate advocate for social justice. She has been the president of the board of directors at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022 and has played a key role in renovating and revitalizing the historic synagogue, which is the only remaining synagogue in downtown Detroit.
Woll was also involved in interfaith work and outreach to other communities, especially Muslims and African Americans. She had participated in several initiatives to promote dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among different faiths and cultures.
Woll had a background in politics and public service as well. She had worked as an aide to Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who represents Michigan’s 8th congressional district, and as a campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is Michigan’s first openly gay statewide elected official.
Woll was born and raised in the Detroit area and graduated from the University of Michigan. She loved travel, art, music, and literature. She was described by those who knew her as a kind, generous, thoughtful, and inspiring person who had an “infectious smile” and a “bright spirit.”
How did people react to Samantha Woll’s death?
Woll’s death has shocked and saddened many people who knew her personally or professionally, as well as those who admired her work and achievements. Her family, friends, colleagues, and community members have expressed their condolences and tributes on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
Some of the prominent figures who have mourned Woll’s death include:
- Rep. Elissa Slotkin:
“I am heartbroken at this news. Sam was an incredible person — kind, smart, and dedicated to her community & her country. She worked on my first campaign & helped me get started in Congress. She was a leader in Detroit’s Jewish community & a force for good in this world.”
- Attorney General Dana Nessel:
“I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder. Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state, and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone.”
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer:
“My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue, and all those who were lucky enough to know her. She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place.”
Woll’s funeral was held on Sunday, October 22, at the Hebrew Memorial Chapel in Oak Park, Michigan. Hundreds of people attended the service, which was also live-streamed online. Woll’s sister, Monica Woll Rosen, delivered a moving eulogy in which she addressed her late sister directly and said:
“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. Our world is shattered without you.”
What are the next steps in the investigation?
The investigation into Woll’s murder is still ongoing and police are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact the Detroit Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (313) 596-2260 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
Police Chief James E. White said that he was confident that the case would be solved soon and that justice would be served for Woll and her family.
“We are just short of identifying one person as a suspect,” White said on Monday. “We’re going to get there. We’re going to get there very quickly.”
White also said that he hoped that the resolution of the case would bring some closure and comfort to Woll’s loved ones and community.
“I can’t imagine what they’re going through,” White said. “I hope that they know that we’re working very hard to bring this person to justice.”
Personal life, Children and Husband
Samantha Woll was married to David Cohen, a lawyer and a fellow Jewish leader. They had two children, Noah and Hannah. They lived in Lafayette Park, a historic neighborhood designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Obituary & Funeral
Samantha Woll’s funeral was held on October 23 at Congregation Beth Ahm in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Hundreds of people attended the service, including her family, friends, colleagues, and representatives from various faiths and backgrounds. She was remembered as a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, leader, and advocate.
Samantha Woll Wiki/BIO
| Name | Samantha Heather Woll |
| Date of birth | June 15, 1983 |
| Place of birth | Detroit, Michigan |
| Date of death | October 21, 2023 |
| Place of death | Lafayette Park, Detroit |
| Cause of death | Homicide by stabbing |
| Age | 40 years old |
| Height | 5’ 5″ (165 cm) |
| samanthawoll | |
| Wikipedia | Samantha_Woll |
| samwoll | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
| Profession | Jewish leader, Democratic activist, politician |
| Education | Hillel Day School Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School University of Michigan |
| Family | Douglas Woll (father) Margo Woll (mother) Monica Woll (sister) David Cohen (husband) Noah Cohen (son) Hannah Cohen (daughter) |
Trivia
- Samantha had an Instagram account where she posted pictures of her family, friends, travels, and events @samanthawoll.
- Woll had a Facebook page where she shared updates on her political and religious activities Woll.
- She was featured in a documentary film called “Inside Lafayette Park” which explored the history and diversity of her neighborhood Inside Lafayette Park.
- Samantha was interviewed by The Detroit News in 2019 about her role as the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue Detroit synagogue leader: ‘We’re here to stay’.
- Woll was honored by The Jewish News in 2020 as one of the “36 Under 36” young Jewish leaders who are making a difference in Metro Detroit 36 Under 36: Samantha.
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