Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, expressed his dismay over an antisemitic sign displayed at his Philadelphia bar, emphasizing that while it may have been intended as a joke, “there’s nothing funny about it.” Portnoy noted the concerning rise in antisemitism, particularly in light of seeing such a display in a venue he owns. In response, he has fired two servers who presented the sign to customers at Barstool Sansom Street, although their identities remain undisclosed.
Portnoy, who is Jewish, commented on the incident’s broader implications, stating it reflects a troubling normalization of antisemitism in public spaces. He engaged with patrons involved in the incident, expressing disbelief over their actions. Meanwhile, Temple University has placed a student on interim suspension linked to the event and is conducting an investigation.
Vladislav Khaykin from the Simon Wiesenthal Center condemned the incident, reinforcing the idea that it demonstrates increasing acceptance of anti-Jewish sentiment. Portnoy later extended offers to the customers involved to visit Auschwitz, aiming to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Holocaust, though he retracted this offer after one customer distanced themselves from responsibility.
Frustrated by the situation, Portnoy called out the backlash against him for offering the trip, arguing that gaining insight through historical education might influence attitudes. He lamented the current climate, feeling it creates an environment of safety concerns for Jewish individuals, which impacts him and his family directly. The incident has ignited conversations about accountability and the alarming rise of antisemitic attitudes in contemporary society.
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