In a shocking display of antisemitism at his Philadelphia bar, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has found himself at the center of controversy after a viral video surfaced showing an employee holding a sign that read, "[Expletive] the Jews." The incident occurred at Barstool Sansom Street on Saturday night, May 3, 2025, and has since sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
Portnoy, who is Jewish, expressed his disgust during an "emergency press conference" video, stating, "Who the [expletive] would do that sign in my [expletive] bar? You think I'm just going to sit here?" His immediate response was to fire the employees involved in the incident, which he described as "pure idiocy."
On Sunday, May 4, the nonprofit organization StopAntisemitism shared the video on social media, prompting swift action from Temple University, located just two miles away. The university announced that one student had been placed on interim suspension due to their involvement in the incident, although they did not identify the individual.
In an attempt to turn the situation into a learning opportunity, Portnoy initially offered the two customers who ordered the sign a trip to Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp, to educate them about the Holocaust. "Maybe I can use this as a teaching moment," he said. "I talked to both the culprits, who I know are super involved in it, talked to the families. I'm sending these kids to Auschwitz."
However, by Monday, May 5, Portnoy had revoked the trip for at least one of the customers involved, citing their refusal to take responsibility for their actions. "I am so sick of dealing with this incident," he posted on social media, emphasizing the frustration he felt over the situation.
Portnoy's decision to offer the trip to Auschwitz was met with mixed reactions. Some Jewish community members criticized the offer, labeling it as a "paid vacation" for bad behavior. In response to the backlash, Portnoy defended his intentions, stating, "If you pay attention at this trip, it's hard not to come back and feel differently about this issue."
Vladislav Khaykin, an executive vice president at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, condemned the incident, saying, "What happened at Barstool Samson Street wasn’t a joke; it shows how increasingly normalized antisemitism has become in public spaces." He highlighted the growing trend of antisemitism since the terror group Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
According to the American Jewish Committee's State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report, antisemitic incidents have surged since that date. The report reveals that roughly one in seven Jewish adults reported experiencing antisemitism online or on social media, and 77% of Jewish individuals in the U.S. feel less safe because of the recent attacks.
Temple University President John Fry addressed the incident in a letter to the university community, calling it "deeply disturbing" and stating, "In the strongest terms possible, let me be clear: antisemitism is abhorrent. It has no place at Temple and acts of hatred and discrimination against any person or persons are not tolerated at this university."
Fry confirmed that the university is conducting an investigation into the incident and that any other students involved could face disciplinary action, including possible expulsion. "Our Division of Student Affairs is conducting an investigation related to last night's incident, and they have identified one Temple student who is believed to have been involved," he added.
As the fallout from the incident continues, Portnoy remains adamant about holding those responsible accountable. He stated, "To feel like you're hated, for really nothing ... it's creating an unsafe vibe for people. You're talking about me, my parents, my family. Like, do you even know what you're saying?"
Portnoy's actions and the incident at Barstool Sansom Street have ignited a broader conversation about the normalization of antisemitism in American society. Jason Holtzman of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia remarked, "Ever since then, we really seen an uptick of hate against Jewish people, vandalism of Jewish institutions. It's really a disturbing sign of the times."
The Philadelphia Police Department is currently investigating the incident, working to gather more information and provide updates as necessary. As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, the hope is that it will serve as a catalyst for change and greater awareness around the issues of hate and discrimination.
In the wake of this troubling event, the importance of education and understanding cannot be overstated. Portnoy's attempt to turn a negative situation into a teachable moment reflects a desire for growth and change, but it also highlights the complexities and challenges of addressing deeply ingrained societal issues.
