Dave Portnoy Sends Individuals Behind Antisemitic Sign to Auschwitz for Educational Trip
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has announced that he will send the two individuals responsible for displaying a hateful, antisemitic sign at one of his company’s bars in Philadelphia to Auschwitz, the infamous former Nazi concentration camp complex. This decision follows widespread condemnation of the incident, which involved bottle service staff presenting a sign bearing the message "f— the Jews" to a group of patrons.
The incident, which surfaced on social media platforms on Sunday, sparked immediate outrage and led to Portnoy initially vowing to take severe action against those involved. In a video statement, he expressed his initial fury, stating his intention to "ruin these people" and make it his "life’s f—ing mission" to hold them accountable for their actions.
However, Portnoy later tempered his stance, acknowledging the potential for a more constructive approach. He cited the prevalence of antisemitism he has personally experienced in recent times, noting a disturbing increase in hateful rhetoric directed at him, his family, and Jewish people in general.
"These are young f—ing morons who did this. They’re drunk. Do you really want to ruin somebody’s life?" Portnoy questioned in his statement. "Maybe I can use this as a teaching moment."
After consulting with the individuals involved and their families, Portnoy decided to send the two individuals to Auschwitz for an immersive educational experience. He also spoke with New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft, whose foundation combats hate, about the plan.
"I’m sending these kids to Auschwitz. They’ve agreed to go," Portnoy stated. "They’re gonna do a tour of the concentration camps (in Poland). Hopefully learn something. Maybe their lives aren’t ruined and they think twice and more importantly other people see it’s not just words you’re throwing around. To me, that’s a fair outcome of this event."
Portnoy emphasized his hope that this experience would serve as a transformative learning opportunity for the individuals involved, fostering a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism. He also expressed his desire for the incident to serve as a cautionary tale, deterring others from engaging in similar acts of hate.
In addition to sending the two individuals to Auschwitz, Portnoy confirmed that two other waitresses involved in the incident have been fired.
The decision to send the individuals to Auschwitz has drawn mixed reactions. Some have praised Portnoy for taking decisive action and seeking a meaningful resolution to the incident. Others have criticized the move, arguing that it is insensitive and could be seen as exploiting the suffering of Holocaust victims. Some critics believe the punishment doesn’t fit the crime and this could backfire.
Auschwitz, located in Poland, was the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, comprising more than three dozen camps. It is estimated that at least 1.1 million people, primarily Jews, were murdered at Auschwitz during World War II. The camp has become a symbol of the Holocaust and a somber reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime.
The incident at the Barstool Sports bar comes amid a surge in antisemitism in the United States and around the world. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a record number of antisemitic incidents in the U.S. last year, with a significant portion of the incidents related to Israel.
The ADL found that more than half of the 9,354 incidents were related to Israel. Many believe the rise in incidents coincides with the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas on Jewish people in Israel.
Portnoy’s decision to send the individuals involved in the antisemitic sign incident to Auschwitz reflects a growing concern about the rise of antisemitism and a desire to combat hate through education and understanding. While the effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen, it underscores the importance of addressing antisemitism and other forms of prejudice in a meaningful and impactful way.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing education and awareness about the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism, as well as the importance of holding individuals accountable for their hateful actions. It also raises questions about the role of social media in amplifying hate speech and the responsibility of individuals and organizations to combat online antisemitism.
Whether this action by Dave Portnoy will prove to be an effective deterrent against antisemitism remains to be seen. Only time will tell if this is a real learning experience that will positively influence the individuals involved and discourage similar acts of hate in the future.
