PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy was visibly shaken on Sunday, May 4, 2025, after discovering an antisemitic sign displayed at his Philadelphia bar, Barstool Sansom Street. The incident, which involved a sign that read "f--- the Jews," has sparked outrage and condemnation from various community leaders and organizations.
Portnoy, who described himself as "shaking" upon seeing the hateful message, held what he termed an "emergency press conference" via social media to address the situation. "I'm trying to keep it together, but I'm on it," he stated, expressing his dismay at the incident.
Rabbi David Kushner, a chaplain with the Philadelphia Police Department, confirmed that Portnoy reached out to him, expressing his distress over the event. "He did reach out and he is distraught," said Kushner. "He's absolutely distraught, he is angered, he is frustrated, and he's doing everything that he can possibly do to track down who these people are."
In response to the incident, Temple University President John Fry announced that a student identified as being involved in the situation had been placed on interim suspension. Fry emphasized that the actions of the individuals involved do not reflect the values of the Temple community. "This incident does not represent the Temple community or its values," he stated.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia also expressed their shock at the incident. Robin Schatz, the Director of Government Affairs for the Federation, commented, "It was shocking. We spend our days, my colleagues and I, in the Jewish community relations council working to fight against antisemitism."
Portnoy has taken a unique approach to address the situation. He contacted the patrons who ordered the sign and proposed sending them to Auschwitz for a tour of concentration camps in Germany. "We're going to send these kids to Auschwitz and they're going to do a tour of the concentration camps in Germany and hopefully learn something," he explained. "Hopefully they think twice and more importantly other people see it's not like words you're throwing around. To me, that's a fair outcome of this event."
As for the staff involved, Portnoy confirmed that the two waitresses who complied with the request to display the sign have been fired. "The two waitresses who worked there are now fired," he stated during his press conference.
The Philadelphia Police Department is currently investigating the matter, as is the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The ADL has expressed concern over the incident, stating that it is part of a broader issue of rising antisemitism in the community.
Eyewitness accounts from patrons at Barstool Sansom Street revealed a chaotic scene following the incident. Customers were reportedly ordered to leave the bar around 4 p.m. due to the arrival of social media crews covering the incident. "At 4 o'clock they told us everyone had to leave. They had some social media crews coming by and they were going to cover something that happened. That's all they told us," said Daniel Stewart, a customer.
This incident comes at a time when antisemitism has been on the rise, prompting many community leaders to call for increased awareness and education. Portnoy's decision to use the situation as a teaching moment has been met with mixed reactions. Some applaud his efforts to educate the offenders, while others question whether such measures are sufficient to combat the deeper issues of hate and intolerance.
As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant against hate speech and actions. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has reiterated its commitment to fighting against antisemitism and promoting understanding among diverse communities.
Portnoy's handling of the situation has also garnered attention on social media, with many users expressing support for his proactive approach. However, others have criticized the incident as reflective of a larger societal problem that needs to be addressed more comprehensively.
In the wake of this incident, the community is left grappling with the impact of hate speech and the importance of education in fostering understanding and tolerance. As Portnoy himself noted, the hope is that this experience will serve as a catalyst for change and a reminder of the importance of standing against hate in all its forms.
The situation at Barstool Sansom Street serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities in combating antisemitism and promoting inclusivity. As investigations unfold and discussions continue, the hope is that incidents like this will lead to meaningful dialogue and change.