After an antisemitic incident at his Philadelphia bar, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy takes decisive action by firing staff involved and sending the college students responsible to Auschwitz as an educational consequence.
At a Glance
- Philadelphia police are investigating an antisemitic incident at a Barstool Sports bar where individuals displayed a sign reading “F*** the Jews”
- Temple University has suspended a student believed to be involved in the incident
- Dave Portnoy, who is Jewish, fired two bottle service workers and is sending the students involved to Auschwitz for educational purposes
- Portnoy emphasized that while consequences are necessary, the students’ lives shouldn’t be ruined but they should learn from their actions
The Incident at Barstool Sansom Street
An antisemitic incident at Dave Portnoy’s Philadelphia bar, Barstool Sansom Street, has sparked outrage and prompted police investigation. Video evidence shows individuals displaying a sign with the message “F*** the Jews” during bottle service at the establishment. Temple University has already taken action by suspending a student believed to be connected to the incident, while Philadelphia police have launched an investigation into the matter, with Officer Tanya Little stating that they are gathering information and will provide updates “as soon as possible.”
Temple University President John Fry issued a strong statement condemning the behavior: “In the strongest terms possible, let me be clear: antisemitism is abhorrent.” The university has made it clear that such behavior contradicts their institutional values and will not be tolerated. The incident has drawn significant attention from both local media and the broader community, especially given the rising concerns about antisemitism on college campuses nationwide in recent months.
Dave Portnoy’s Response to Antisemitic Incident at Philadelphia Bar
Dave Portnoy, president of Barstool Sports, took decisive action after an antisemitic sign was displayed at his Philadelphia bar. The sign, which read “F*** the Jews,” was held up by two college students during… https://t.co/gllPHBGnaA
— Political Maverick (@PoliticalMav) May 4, 2025
Portnoy’s Response and Actions
Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and himself Jewish, responded swiftly and forcefully to the incident. He immediately fired two bottle service workers involved in the situation and began working to identify all responsible parties. Rather than simply punishing those involved, Portnoy has taken a more thoughtful approach aimed at education rather than mere retribution. He has been vocal about his anger regarding the incident while also emphasizing a commitment to turning this into a teaching moment.
“What I’m saying is I’m getting the names. I’m trying to be a little responsible. I’m trying to keep it together. But I’m on it,” Dave Portnoy said regarding his approach to addressing those involved in the incident.
In videos posted to social media platform X, Portnoy described his conversations with those involved, particularly criticizing one waitress as “the dumbest human I’ve ever talked to” and suggesting she might have been trying to make a political statement. His frustration was evident, but so was his determination to handle the situation with a balance of consequences and teaching opportunity rather than simply seeking punitive measures.
The Educational Approach: A Trip to Auschwitz
The most notable aspect of Portnoy’s response is his decision to send the students involved to Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp in Poland where more than a million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. This unusual approach represents Portnoy’s belief that education about the historical consequences of antisemitism is more valuable than punishment alone. The Auschwitz trip is being arranged as a direct consequence for the students’ actions, with Portnoy covering the expenses.
Portnoy has emphasized that while the students’ behavior was inexcusable, he doesn’t believe their lives should be permanently ruined over what might have been a moment of ignorance. Instead, he hopes the educational experience at Auschwitz will provide them with profound insight into why antisemitic behavior is so harmful and unacceptable. This approach has generated significant discussion about appropriate responses to hate speech and antisemitism, particularly among young people who may not fully understand the historical context of their actions.
The incident comes at a time of heightened sensitivity regarding antisemitism across the United States, with reported incidents increasing on college campuses and in communities nationwide. Portnoy’s response represents an attempt to address not just the specific incident at his establishment but the broader issue of antisemitism through education rather than merely punitive measures. The effectiveness of this approach will likely be closely watched by those concerned with addressing hate speech and antisemitism in meaningful ways.
