Pierogi and Politics: Dershowitz Unwelcome at Vineyard Market

A Controversial Encounter at the Farmers Market

Alan Dershowitz, a 86-year-old lawyer known for his defense of Donald Trump and his strong advocacy for Israel, found himself in an unexpected situation during a visit to the West Tisbury Farmers Market on Martha’s Vineyard. Instead of enjoying a meal of pierogis, he was met with public disapproval and even booed off the premises.

Dershowitz claims that he was denied service by a pierogi vendor on two separate occasions, both within a span of two weeks. He recounted the events in a YouTube video, describing it as an act of political discrimination that escalated into a protest.

The incident began on Wednesday, July 30, when Dershowitz approached the pierogi stand after ordering corn and orange juice. He requested six pierogis, which he described as reminiscent of his grandmother's cooking. The vendor, however, refused to serve him, stating that they had plenty available but simply wouldn't sell to him.

Dershowitz recalled the moment, noting that he had worn a "Proud American Zionist" shirt that week. He believes the vendor recognized him and made the decision not to serve him due to his political views, particularly his support for Israel and his past legal defense of Donald Trump.

According to Massachusetts law, businesses are prohibited from refusing service based on race or other protected classes. However, political beliefs are not considered protected categories under state guidelines.

Good Pierogi owner Krem Miskevich later issued a statement explaining that their decision was legally justified. He cited Dershowitz's past legal defense of Jeffrey Epstein as a reason for the refusal. Miskevich expressed that the decision caused significant backlash, affecting not only his business but also other vendors.

Dershowitz has been visiting Martha’s Vineyard since 1969, when he helped defend Senator Ted Kennedy during the Chappaquiddick scandal. Every Wednesday, he would go to the farmers market, a routine that changed last week.

“You wouldn’t buy pierogis from someone who refused to serve Black people, or gay people, or transgender people,” Dershowitz said. “Why would you buy them from someone who refuses to serve you based on your politics?”

On August 6, Dershowitz returned to the Good Pierogi booth to attempt another purchase. This time, protestors had gathered around the tent, anticipating the event. 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 offer any support. Instead, they chanted, “Time to go!”

Musician and comic Ami Kozak, who was performing at the island’s Jewish Culture Festival, witnessed the incident. He described Dershowitz's attempt as a gesture of peace. Kozak shared live footage on Instagram, expressing that the situation could have been avoided if the vendor simply sold him a pierogi.

Kozak criticized the vendor's actions, suggesting that the decision to refuse service was seen as heroic by the crowd. He noted that the crowd was applauding the person refusing to serve Dershowitz, rather than supporting the lawyer.

Online reactions were mixed. Some praised Good Pierogi for "standing by their ethics," while others criticized the vendor's actions as inappropriate.

In an Instagram story, Kozak remarked, "Remember how we all thought woke was dead? Well, it ain’t dead on The Vineyard."

Neither Dershowitz nor Miskevich has publicly commented on the events of August 6. The controversy highlights the complex intersection of politics, personal beliefs, and consumer rights, raising questions about the limits of free speech and the responsibilities of businesses in such situations.