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Samantha Woll death: Rashida Tlaib criticized online for anti-Israel speech after Detroit synagogue leader's slaying

The backlash comes on the heels of Rep Rashida Tlaib's controversial remarks blaming Israel for a deadly strike on a hospital in Gaza

DETROIT, MICHIGAN: The tragic stabbing death of Samantha Woll, the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit, has sent shockwaves through the community, and in its wake, ignited a wave of criticism toward Democratic Rep Rashida Tlaib.

The backlash comes on the heels of Tlaib's controversial remarks blaming Israel for a deadly strike on a Gaza hospital.

How did Samantha Woll die?

Samantha Woll, a 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022, was found stabbed multiple times early Saturday morning, October 21, 2023, outside her home in Detroit's Lafayette Park neighborhood.

The Detroit Police Department (DPD) confirmed her tragic death at the scene. At this time, a motive for the stabbing has not been determined, and no suspect has been made public. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, as per Newsweek.

Despite the lack of a clear motive, news of Woll's slaying has prompted a fresh wave of backlash against Rep Rashida Tlaib on social media. The congresswoman had posted a controversial message on a social media platform just a week prior.

In the contentious post, Tlaib held Israel responsible for a deadly blast at the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, an incident in which nearly 500 lives were claimed, according to Palestinian officials.

Tlaib's post read, "Israel just bombed the Baptist Hospital killing 500 Palestinians (doctors, children, patients) just like that. @POTUS this is what happens when you refuse to facilitate a ceasefire & help de-escalate. Your war and destruction only approach has opened my eyes and many Palestinian Americans and Muslims Americans like me. We will remember where you stood."

Rashida Tlaib blamed for Woll's death

It is essential to note that Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have all denied responsibility for the devastating strike, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain complex. While it remains unclear whether Samantha Woll's tragic death is linked to the Middle East conflict, many on social media have accused Tlaib of inciting violence.

Right-wing political activist Laura Loomer commented on X and said, "Michigan Jewish synagogue president Samantha Woll found dead outside Detroit home with multiple stab wounds in @rashidatlaib's district. This is a hate crime. Likely incited by Rashida's calls for violence against Jews and her support for HAMAS."

Carmine Sabia, a conservative pundit, added, "In Michigan, where congresswoman Rashida Tlaib denigrates Jews daily. Where she blames them for genocide in Gaza. But she will not condemn Hamas. This blood is on her hands. RIP Samantha Woll. Murdered in cold blood outside her home."

Even former Trump administration official Ellie Cohanim weighed in and stated, "'I point my finger at @RepRashida Tlaib for spreading a blood libel against Israel & Jews,' I told @FoxFriendsFirst. Now, [a] Jewish member of Tlaib's district—the president of a synagogue—Samantha Woll was found stabbed to death."

Chad Prather, host of Blaze TV, expressed his outrage and wrote, "These people are SAVAGES!!! A Jewish synagogue president Samantha Woll was STABBED TO DEATH outside her house!!! She lived in Rashida Tlaib’s district. Tlaib should be held directly accountable."

Twitter user @RhondaJLast hoped that the press would "ask Rashida Talib her opinion on this local violence, and she gets slammed for her bigotry."

Tlaib, acknowledging Samantha Woll as a "friend", posted a tribute to the Jewish synagogue leader on Facebook Saturday evening.

She said, "My friend, and a member of our organizing community, Sam Woll, was murdered. I have no words. She always had a sweet smile to offer and the warmest eyes to greet you. Our community is devastated, and we are shocked. Please keep her family and our community in your prayers."

Who was Samantha Woll?

Samantha Woll's contributions to the community were widely recognized. Sam Dubin, a spokesperson for the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), expressed their deep sorrow over Woll's death, describing her as an "incredible leader" and a "passionate Muslim-Jewish bridge builder."

In addition to her role as the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, she was a JCRC member and served on the board of the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan, CNN reported.

Rabbi Ariana Silverman praised Woll's work within the synagogue, which included serving on the ritual committee, contributing to the building's renovation, and spearheading fundraising efforts.

Samantha Woll's obituary reflected her diverse interests, stating that she loved various forms of art, including theater and opera, had a strong connection with nature, and was involved in numerous political campaigns and interfaith organizations.

“She was unfailing in her commitment to living in the moment and always saw the good in everyone she met,” it said. “Samantha will always be remembered for her tireless activism and for her passion to make the world a better place. She was an angel and there was truly no one kinder,” it further added.