Pierogi and Politics: Dershowitz Booed at Martha's Vineyard Market

A Controversial Encounter at the Farmers Market

Alan Dershowitz, a 86-year-old lawyer known for his defense of Donald Trump and advocacy for Israel, recently found himself in an unexpected situation while visiting the West Tisbury Farmers Market on Martha’s Vineyard. What began as a simple trip to buy pierogis turned into a public spectacle, with Dershowitz being denied service and even booed off the premises.

Dershowitz, who has been coming to Martha’s Vineyard since 1969, described the incident in a YouTube video, calling it an act of political discrimination. He claims that he was denied service by a pierogi vendor at the Good Pierogi booth on two separate occasions, each time due to his political views.

The story started a week earlier when Dershowitz walked over to the pierogi stand after ordering corn and orange juice. He asked for six pierogis, which he said reminded him of his grandmother's cooking. Instead, the vendor looked him in the eye and refused to serve him. When Dershowitz asked if they had run out, the vendor replied that they had plenty but simply wouldn’t sell to him.

Dershowitz believes the vendor recognized him from a previous visit where he wore a “Proud American Zionist” shirt. He thinks this led to the decision not to serve him based on his political beliefs, specifically his support for Israel and his past legal defense of Donald Trump.

According to Massachusetts law, refusing service based on race or other protected classes is prohibited. However, political beliefs are not included under these protections. The owner of Good Pierogi, Krem Miskevich, later issued a statement explaining that their decision was partly based on Dershowitz’s past legal defense of Jeffrey Epstein. Miskevich expressed that he felt a surge of emotion upon seeing Dershowitz, referring to him as a high-profile attorney who represented sexual predators and abusers.

The backlash from the incident affected not only Miskevich’s business but also other vendors at the market. Miskevich stated that he never intended for his decision to cause so much consternation in the community he cares about.

Dershowitz, a Harvard professor for 50 years, has always made it a point to visit the farmers market every Wednesday. Last week, however, things took an unexpected turn. He returned to the Good Pierogi booth with the intention of purchasing pierogis, only to be denied service again.

This time, protestors had gathered around the tent, anticipating the encounter. As Dershowitz approached the front of the line and stood face-to-face with Miskevich, he was once again denied service. The crowd did not defend him; instead, they chanted, "Time to go!"

Ami Kozak, a musician and comic performing at the island’s Jewish Culture Festival, witnessed the event. He described Dershowitz’s attempt to buy pierogis as a gesture of peace. Kozak shared live footage of the scene on Instagram, expressing his belief that the situation could have been avoided if the vendor simply sold Dershowitz a pierogi.

Kozak criticized the vendor's actions, suggesting that they were acting like they were being harassed and bullied by an 86-year-old man. He noted that the crowd was not in favor of Dershowitz and instead applauded the person refusing to serve him.

Online reactions to the incident were divided. Some praised Good Pierogi for "standing by their ethics," while others called the vendor’s actions "totally off base." Kozak commented on the situation, stating that "woke" culture is not dead on The Vineyard.

Neither Dershowitz nor Miskevich has issued a public statement regarding the events of August 6. The controversy surrounding the incident highlights the complexities of personal beliefs and public behavior, raising questions about the boundaries of free speech and consumer rights.