Dave Portnoy on Anti-Semitic Sign at His Bar: The Best Option to Me Was Send the Culprits on a Paid Visit to Auschwitz

PERINO: “You talk to the Kraft’s and I just wonder about anti-Semitism being like the oldest hatred. And do you think that there is just some ignorance and that perhaps — you know, the teachable moment is the one that can, at least for these individuals, make a difference?”
PORTNOY: “Yeah, I can hope it can help. It’s certainly — I think there’s been a — I’ve been online now with Barstool for over two decades. I — I, without a shadow of a doubt, over the last year, year and a half, obviously, stuff in the Middle East, the increase in anti-Semitism is through the roof. The amount of stuff I get sent to me every day and even people who defend these kids is insane. And I think, you know, it’s a combo of factors, but certainly social media allows baseless names to say things, do things and pile on. And, you know, if you’re unhappy with your life or — or you’re miserable and you’re looking for a scapegoat, suddenly it’s all the Jews problem. There seems like there’s a lot of that. And I don’t even think people know — like these kids, I — I don’t — I — I highly doubt they’re — they’re very familiar with the plight of, you know, history of the Jewish nation. And I don’t think they’re certainly protesting what’s going on in, you know, Palestine or with Hamas. They’re just ignorant.”
PERINO: “Right.”
PORTNOY: “So hopefully going and visiting will put some emphasis and — and make them reflect a little bit before they’re absolute jerks.”
PERINO: “I’m sure you saw some of the responses from people who think that kind of punishment is not really a punishment, but as if you are sending them on a vacation and a trip to Europe and how great that’s going to be. How do you respond to that kind of criticism?”
PORTNOY: “Yeah, I’m getting a lot — I’m getting a lot of Jewish people saying that I’m getting mad at them. They’re like, how this is the worst solution ever. You’re sending them on a paid vacation. Like you said, like they’re going to Bahamas. This is not — this is going to be a teaching moment. And I don’t know anybody who would love to do a no frills trip to Poland to have what should really be a saddening and — and disheartening teaching moment. And if that doesn’t get through to these kids, guess what? Nothing will. And — and who cares if you ruin your life because there’s going to be jerks and do it again. But to me, this is the best option. And no way do I think this is some win for them, like they’re going to Ibiza or something going to be clubbing. No, they’re going on a very strict regiment tailored visit to one of the worst atrocities mankind. So, you know, there is no great solution, but I put my head together with some other I consider smart people and this is what we came up with.”
PERINO: “And we appreciate you coming on the show. Thank you so much. Dave Portnoy.”