Laurie Grauer announced May 16 that she was leaving her position as Midwest Manager of the LGBT Israel advocacy organization A Wider Bridge ( AWB ).
In 2017, Grauer and others were asked to leave the Dyke March when they carried a rainbow flag with a Star of David upon it. A weeks-long controversy subsequently ensued. Grauer had been with AWB since 2015.
In a statement to AWB supporters, Grauer said, "Though I am moving on from this role, and will miss working with you, I know that your continued presence and support will continue to be a key ingredient to A Wider Bridge's success. Together we've helped Midwest LGBTQ communities experience greater understanding and engagement with Israel and its LGBTQ communities, and in less than three years, many of you have had a direct hand in this change."
Note: Reporter Matt Simonette traveled to Israel with AWB in late 2016.