A Wider Bridge Announces Closure Amid Financial Challenges, Vowing Continued Advocacy for LGBTQ Jews

A Wider Bridge, an organization dedicated to mobilizing LGBTQ communities in North America to fight antisemitism and support Israel and its LGBTQ community, announced its closure effective December 31, 2025. The group cited financial challenges as the primary reason for the decision in a letter to supporters released on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Founded in 2010, A Wider Bridge has worked for over 15 years to foster connections between LGBTQ individuals and groups across North America and Israel. Its mission focused on creating solidarity against shared threats, including antisemitism and discrimination faced by queer people. The organization's efforts included educational programs, community events, and delegations to Israel to highlight LGBTQ life there and build alliances.

In its closure letter, A Wider Bridge reflected on its achievements while acknowledging the tough circumstances. “After 15 years of building bridges between LGBTQ communities in North America and Israel, A Wider Bridge has made the difficult decision to wind down operations as of Dec. 31, 2025,” the statement read. The group stressed that the shutdown does not signal retreat from its goals, particularly as attacks on Jewish people, LGBTQ individuals, and LGBTQ Jews at their intersection intensify globally.

The decision comes amid broader financial strains on nonprofit organizations, especially those operating at the intersection of LGBTQ rights and Jewish advocacy. A Wider Bridge did not detail specific fiscal shortfalls but pointed to ongoing economic pressures and perhaps shifts in donor priorities following recent geopolitical events. Nonprofits in this space have faced increased scrutiny and funding volatility, particularly since the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East.

Cross-referencing with other outlets confirms the financial rationale. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported similarly on the closure, noting A Wider Bridge's role in high-profile initiatives like Pride events in Israel and U.S.-Israel solidarity missions, which may have strained resources without sufficient replenishment. JTA highlighted that the group had organized trips for LGBTQ leaders to Israel, including one in 2016 attended by Washington Blade International News Editor Michael K. Lavers.

The Forward, another primary Jewish news source, corroborated the announcement, quoting the letter's emphasis on not backing down despite the closure. It noted A Wider Bridge's history of responding to crises, such as supporting queer Israelis after events like the October 7, 2023, attacks, which likely increased operational costs without proportional funding gains.

Even as it closes, A Wider Bridge reaffirmed its dedication to its core issues. “Though we are winding down, this is not a time to back down. We recognize the deep importance of our mission and work amid attacks on Jewish people and LGBTQ people – and LGBTQ Jews at the intersection,” the organization stated. Board members committed to continuing representation of queer Jews in diverse spaces, while urging partners and supporters to sustain the momentum.

This pledge aligns with broader trends in LGBTQ Jewish activism. Organizations like Jewish Queer Youth and Keshet have expanded efforts to address antisemitism within queer spaces and homophobia/transphobia in Jewish communities. A Wider Bridge's closure may prompt consolidation or new initiatives, as its leaders transition to individual roles. Keshet, for instance, has long advocated for inclusive Jewish spaces and confirmed no direct merger but expressed solidarity with A Wider Bridge's ongoing fight.

A Wider Bridge's work has had tangible effects on LGBTQ Jews, who often navigate dual marginalizations. By facilitating exchanges, it humanized Israeli LGBTQ lives for North American audiences and vice versa, countering narratives that pit queer rights against Israel support. Participants in its programs, including delegations, reported stronger alliances and better understanding of intersectional challenges.

The timing of the closure is poignant, coinciding with heightened global antisemitism and anti-LGBTQ legislation. In the U.S., incidents against Jewish and queer institutions rose post-2023, per FBI data, while internationally, LGBTQ Israelis face threats amid ongoing conflicts. A Wider Bridge's efforts, such as co-sponsoring Tel Aviv Pride and anti-BDS campaigns in queer contexts, leave a void that others must fill.

For transgender and non-binary Jews, the group's intersectional focus provided visibility often lacking elsewhere. Its programs introduced queer Jews to diverse Israeli identities, including transgender soldiers and activists, fostering empathy and action.

The shutdown raises questions about sustainability for niche advocacy groups. Funding for pro-Israel LGBTQ efforts has been contentious, with some donors shifting amid protests and campus unrest. Yet, A Wider Bridge's model—personal connections over confrontation—resonated widely, influencing groups like the LGBTQ Task Force at the ADL.

Internationally, the closure impacts Israel's LGBTQ community, which relies on global solidarity. Tel Aviv remains a hub for queer tourism and rights, but external support bolsters local resilience against conservative pressures. A Wider Bridge's partnerships with Israeli groups like Aguda amplified these voices.

In North America, LGBTQ Jews express mixed reactions. Some worry about diminished pro-Israel voices in queer spaces, where criticism of Israel can dominate. Others see opportunity for newer, perhaps more inclusive organizations to emerge, focusing on Palestinian queer rights alongside Israeli ones.

As A Wider Bridge concludes, its letter calls for sustained action: “Our board members remain committed to showing up in their individual capacities to represent queer Jews across diverse spaces — and we know our partners and supporters will continue to do the same.” This transition underscores resilience in LGBTQ Jewish activism.

The organization's legacy includes thousands connected through events, webinars, and trips. Editor's note from the Washington Blade recalls Michael K. Lavers' 2016 trip, illustrating firsthand impact.

In a landscape of division, A Wider Bridge's closure reminds advocates of the need for funding stability to protect intersecting identities. LGBTQ communities worldwide watch, ready to build new bridges.