A Wider Bridge welcomes the decision by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) to reinstateThe Aguda – Association for LGBTQ+ Equality in Israel, as a full member.
This hard-won step is the result of The Aguda’s unwavering commitment to justice, inclusion, and dialogue—even in the face of a discriminatory suspension. When ILGA moved to exclude The Aguda last fall, A Wider Bridge stood with them, launching a global petition that garnered over 3,000 signatures and sparked critical conversations about equity and bias within the LGBTQ+ movement.
The Aguda was punished not for its actions, but for refusing to make political declarations unrelated to its core mission. No other LGBTQ+ organization is asked to renounce its government in order to participate in international queer spaces. ILGA has now acknowledged that this expectation was harmful and unsustainable.
And yet, ILGA has delayed The Aguda’s reinstatement until October 2025—an unnecessary and unjustifiable delay. Worse still, ILGA Asia has openly opposed even this partial reinstatement, citing The Aguda’s “silence on Gaza” and accusing it of “glorifying militarism”—a standard applied to no other organization.
We reject these attacks.
The Aguda works every day to serve LGBTQ+ people in Israel—including Jews, Arabs, religious and secular, citizens and asylum seekers. Their programs include support for queer Palestinians, trans youth, Orthodox LGBTQ+ people, and others who often fall through the cracks. In a region where LGBTQ+ rights are scarce, The Aguda’s work should be celebrated—not condemned.
As Rabbi Denise L. Eger, Interim Executive Director of A Wider Bridge, said:
“We welcome ILGA’s reversal, but remain alarmed by the double standards that continue to target Jewish and Israeli LGBTQ voices. A truly inclusive movement must make room for difference and complexity—not punish it.”
We also echo the powerful words of The Aguda CEO Yael Sinai Biblash:
“We chose to fight for our voice in spaces where the discourse is difficult and complex, because that’s exactly where our presence is most needed — to enable nuanced and respectful conversations.”
This is a victory for The Aguda—and a victory for all who believe in an LGBTQ+ movement that embraces its full diversity. But the fight is not over. A Wider Bridge will continue to stand with our partners to ensure Jewish LGBTQ voices are heard, respected, and protected—without exception and without apology.