Downtown Fort Lauderdale's tent city is the last place one would expect to find homeless Jews. Upon a second glance, however, 20 to 30 Jewish people can be found in the huge tent erected for the downtrodden of society.

These homeless Jews range in age from 20 to 70. By and large they had been neglected by the "mainstream" Jewish organizations in South Florida. But then their plight came to the attention of Yerachmiel "Rocky" Gersh, regional director of the Jewish Defense League. For the past three weeks, Gersh has been dispatching volunteers to deliver kosher food to those who have requested it and to let the Jewish homeless know that they are not forgotten.

Said Gersh, "Apparently the local federation and other establishment Jewish organizations wish to wash the problems of the Jewish homeless under the table, but we of the JDL will take out of our own pockets to help brighten the lives of these poor, unfortunate Jews so they know that at least one Jewish organization puts Jewish needs first!"

Those who wish to help Florida JDL in its campaign to aid the Jewish homeless can send donations to: JDL, 1000 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 105, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311.