Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, addressed an antisemitic sign displayed at his Philadelphia bar, Barstool Sansom Street, during a bottle service order. Portnoy described the sign as offensive, stating it was likely intended as a joke but emphasized that nothing about it was funny. His outrage over the incident reflects a broader concern about rising antisemitism, which he noted has become increasingly apparent.
As a result of the incident, two servers involved have been fired, and a Temple University student linked to the event has been placed on interim suspension pending an investigation. Portnoy expressed uncertainty about whether the servers or customers truly endorse the hateful sentiment behind the sign, referring to the situation as “pure idiocy.”
Vladislav Khaykin from California’s Simon Wiesenthal Center criticized the incident for normalizing antisemitism in public spaces and praised Portnoy for taking quick action. Portnoy, who is Jewish himself, felt mischaracterized by critics who suggested he didn’t take the incident seriously enough. To emphasize accountability, he offered two customers involved in the order trips to Auschwitz to learn about the Holocaust, although one later denied responsibility for the sign, leading to the revocation of the trip offer.
Portnoy expressed frustration over the incident, criticizing the shallow understanding some people have toward antisemitism. He noted a significant shift in societal attitudes, creating an “unsafe vibe” for Jewish communities. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle against rising hate and its impact on individuals and their families.
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