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Samantha Woll, the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue’s leader, was murdered after she was discovered with “multiple stab wounds.” The crime scene, believed to be Woll’s home, was identified following a trail of blood.

Detroit Police Department’s Chief, James E White, urged the public to wait for the official findings, emphasizing that a thorough investigation is underway. He remarked, “Over the course of the last several hours, the DPD has mobilized many of its resources and has been leveraging every law enforcement and community resource it has to help further the investigation.” The FBI is collaborating with Detroit police for this case.

Aside from her religious affiliations, Samantha Woll actively participated in the Democratic Party for local and state campaigns. Her death drew condolences from Michigan’s political figures, including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and US Representative Rashida Tlaib, who shared on Facebook, “She always had a sweet smile to offer and the warmest eyes to greet you. Our community is devastated and shocked.”

Woll’s untimely demise coincides with a surge in threats towards Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities, especially during the Israel-Hamas conflict. US Attorney General Merrick Garland recently emphasized supporting religious communities and evaluating their needs.

Another incident last week involved the fatal stabbing of a Palestinian-American child near Chicago, deemed a hate crime linked to Middle East disputes.