Pierogi and Power: Dershowitz Uninvited from Vineyard Market

A Controversial Encounter at the Farmers Market

Alan Dershowitz, a well-known legal figure and professor, found himself in an unexpected situation during his visit to the West Tisbury Farmers Market on Martha’s Vineyard. Known for his defense of Donald Trump and strong support for Israel, Dershowitz claimed he was denied service at a pierogi stand, which led to public backlash and even being booed off the premises.

Dershowitz, who is 86 years old, shared his experience in a YouTube video, detailing how he was refused service by the vendor at the Good Pierogi booth. He described the incident as an act of political discrimination that escalated into a protest on August 6. The story began a week earlier when Dershowitz visited the market and ordered corn and orange juice. Afterward, he asked for six pierogis, which reminded him of his grandmother's cooking.

The vendor, however, looked him in the eye and said no. Dershowitz initially thought the vendor had run out of pierogis, but the vendor clarified that they had plenty available — he simply wouldn’t sell to him. Dershowitz recalled that this happened after he wore a “Proud American Zionist” shirt, which he believed the vendor recognized. This led Dershowitz to believe that the refusal was based on his political views, specifically 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 included under these protections. The owner of Good Pierogi, Krem Miskevich, issued a statement explaining that their decision was legally justified and partly based on Dershowitz's past legal defense of Jeffrey Epstein, a high-profile attorney known for representing sexual predators and abusers.

Miskevich expressed that the decision caused consternation within the community, affecting not only his business but also other vendors. He stated that he never intended for his actions to cause such a reaction.

Dershowitz has been visiting Martha’s Vineyard since 1969, often attending the farmers market every Wednesday. Last week, he returned to the market, expecting the same routine. However, things took a different turn when he attempted to purchase pierogis 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 support him, instead chanting, "Time to go!" Musician and comic Ami Kozak, who was performing at the island’s Jewish Culture Festival, witnessed the event. He described Dershowitz's attempt as a gesture of peace and noted that the situation could have been avoided if the vendor simply sold him a pierogi.

Kozak shared live footage from the scene on Instagram, expressing his belief that the vendor's actions were unnecessary. He suggested that the vendor may have felt it was heroic to refuse service to an 86-year-old man, which was met with applause from the crowd.

Reactions to the incident were mixed online. Some praised Good Pierogi for standing by their ethics, while others criticized the vendor's actions as inappropriate. Kozak remarked that the situation highlighted how far some people are willing to go to express their views.

Neither Dershowitz nor Miskevich has publicly commented on the events of August 6. The controversy surrounding the incident continues to spark discussions about the intersection of politics, personal beliefs, and consumer rights.