Suggestions
Nate Looney
JEDI Director of Community Safety and Belonging
Nate Looney serves as the Director of Community Safety and Belonging at The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), where he is part of the Jewish Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) initiative. His role focuses on fostering a culture of belonging within the Jewish community, particularly addressing issues related to safety and inclusion for diverse groups, including Jews of Color and LGBTQ+ individuals.124
Looney brings a unique perspective to his position, informed by his personal experiences as a Black Jewish man and his background in law enforcement, having served eight years in the Army. This combination of experiences shapes his approach to security and community engagement, emphasizing the need for inclusive practices that reflect the diverse demographics of the Jewish community.156
Under his leadership, the JEDI initiative aims to create a more equitable and inclusive environment, addressing social inequities and promoting safety in Jewish communal spaces. Looney has been involved in various initiatives, including leading a JEDI Leadership Mission to Israel, which focused on understanding the complexities of diversity within Israeli society and building connections among Jewish leaders of Color.23
