Viral Antisemitic Incident at Barstool Sansom Street in Philadelphia: Temple University Student Faces Suspension

A Temple University student faces interim suspension after an antisemitic sign was displayed at Barstool Sansom Street in Philadelphia. The sign, which went viral on social media, featured the phrase "[Expletive] the Jews." The individual involved has not been publicly identified.

Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, actively condemned the incident. He expressed outrage in a video, stating that he would not tolerate such behavior in his establishment. Portnoy announced he had already fired the staff involved. In a follow-up video, he mentioned plans for the individuals who commissioned the sign to visit Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp, as a way to promote understanding of the Holocaust.

Portnoy’s shift from anger to a more constructive approach shows a desire to transform a negative incident into a learning opportunity. "Maybe we can use this as a teachable moment," he remarked. He has pledged to fund the trip to Europe for those involved, aiming to inspire change in their attitudes.

Barstool Sansom Street closed temporarily following the incident. The bar acknowledged the failure of some staff members to adhere to their strict policy against discrimination and hate speech. They expressed regret for the actions that occurred.

Temple University President John Fry condemned the event, describing it as "deeply disturbing." He reassured the community that investigations were underway, having already identified one student linked to the incident. Fry emphasized that discrimination of any kind has no place at Temple and asserted that disciplinary actions are forthcoming for anyone else involved.

In light of recent events, antisemitic incidents have surged, particularly following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. According to the American Jewish Committee, this has created a climate of fear among many Jewish Americans. Their report reveals that about one in seven Jewish adults has encountered antisemitism online and that 77% feel less safe in the U.S. since the attack.

As awareness around this issue continues to grow, the community is urged to unite against hate, reflecting on the lasting impact of such acts. For those affected, Temple University provides support services through Tuttleman Counseling Services and IDEAL’s Interfaith Inclusion Center.

For more information on antisemitism, you can refer to the full report by the American Jewish Committee here.

Engaging in open conversations about these pressing issues can help foster a more inclusive environment for everyone.

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Barstool Sports, Antisemitism, Philadelphia