Dave Portnoy addresses antisemitism by sending offenders to Auschwitz

In late April 2025, a concerning incident occurred at a Barstool Sports-owned bar in Philadelphia, where a sign reading "Fu-k the Jews" was displayed. This occurred during a busy night at the bar and quickly gained traction on social media after being posted online. Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports and a Jewish individual, became aware of the situation shortly after it occurred. He expressed his outrage during a press conference that he held on his social media accounts. Portnoy was visibly upset, stating that he had been "shaking with anger" for two hours and that he was determined to take serious action against those involved. Initially, Portnoy expressed intentions of ruining the lives of the individuals responsible for the sign, whom he described as "young morons" who were likely intoxicated at the time. He emphasized the broader issue of antisemitism that has become more prevalent in recent times, connecting it to the state of societal sentiment towards various groups. However, after reflecting on his first emotional responses, he decided to opt for a different approach: to educate rather than punish. He sought to turn the situation into an opportunity for learning. As part of this educational endeavor, Portnoy announced that he would arrange for the two men responsible for the sign to visit Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp. He believed that a tour of such a significant historical site would serve as a valuable lesson about the horrors of the Holocaust. Portnoy hoped this experience would lead the culprits to reflect on their actions and reconsider their attitudes toward antisemitism. This method was seen as a means to convey the seriousness of antisemitic sentiments and provide an opportunity for redemption rather than condemnation. The Philadelphia police are reportedly investigating the incident while Portnoy also took measures against those involved at the bar, including firing two servers who played a role in facilitating the display of the sign. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the current rise in antisemitism, sharing his perspective on how he has witnessed increased levels of hate within the past year and a half. Portnoy's decision to focus on education over punishment has generated a mix of reactions, with some praising him for trying to create a learning moment out of a deeply troubling incident. He maintained communication with the families of the offenders, who reportedly agreed to participate in the tour to Auschwitz. Portnoy's initiative may help open a broader conversation about combating antisemitism and educating individuals on its historical context.