El Presidente Dave Portnoy, one bite everyone knows the Rules!

A few years ago, I had the great opportunity to meet Dave Portnoy, the founder and president of Barstool Sports, who is vocal about his Jewish heritage and openly supportive of Israel. His pro-Israel and anti-antisemitism stances have shaped his commentary on current events, online feuds, and campus protests. Waving the Israeli Flag: Portnoy was spotted at a UFC event wearing a kippah and waving an Israeli flag. This action was specifically directed at UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell, who had previously faced criticism for making antisemitic comments. Rejection of Anti-Israel Activists:

Portnoy has heavily criticized pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel campus demonstrators. He publicly stated that he would not hire college activists who participate in aggressive protests or back Hamas, calling their actions destructive. Condemning Anti-Israel Rhetoric: He has publicly denounced slogans like “From the river to the sea,” arguing that individuals intimidating others under these banners should face severe consequences, including jail time. Portnoy’s defense of Israel is tightly coupled with his aggressive pushback against rising global antisemitism, which he reports experiencing on a daily basis online and in person. Two high-profile events highlighted his stance. In addition, he is extremely down to earth and always approachable. Amongst his pro Israel and defending the Jewish People highlights,

• The Philadelphia Bar Incident: In May 2025, patrons at a Philadelphia Barstool Sports location ordered a bottle service sign reading “F*** the Jews”. Portnoy used his massive social media platform to expose the culprits, fire the involved waitresses, and briefly offered to fund an educational trip to Auschwitz for the offenders before rescinding the offer when they did not take accountability.
• The Mississippi Pizza Review Incident: In November 2025, a student was arrested after throwing coins and shouting antisemitic slurs at Portnoy during one of his viral pizza reviews in Starkville, Mississippi. Portnoy directly attributed the physical confrontation to the unchecked rise of online hate tied to the Israel–Hamas war.
• The Barstool Fund is a relief effort launched in December 2020 by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy to help small businesses survive COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. It raised over $41 million from roughly 220,000 donors and supported more than 440 small businesses, such as restaurants, bars, and local shops