Pierogi Protest: Dershowitz Ejected From Vineyard Market

A Controversial Encounter at the Farmers Market

Alan Dershowitz, a well-known 86-year-old lawyer and Harvard professor, found himself in an unexpected situation while visiting the West Tisbury Farmers Market on Martha’s Vineyard. His visit was not about legal cases or political debates but rather a simple desire for pierogis. However, what started as a routine trip quickly turned into a public confrontation that sparked widespread discussion.

Dershowitz, who has been coming to Martha’s Vineyard since 1969, made his way to the Good Pierogi booth on Wednesday, July 30, after ordering corn and orange juice. He asked for six pierogis, a dish he described as reminiscent of his grandmother’s cooking. Instead of receiving the food he wanted, he was told by the vendor that he would not be served.

The vendor, Krem Miskevich, later explained that his decision was based on Dershowitz's past legal defense of Jeffrey Epstein, a controversial figure known for sexual misconduct allegations. Miskevich claimed that the encounter stirred strong emotions, as he viewed Dershowitz as someone who had represented individuals accused of serious crimes.

This incident marked the beginning of a series of events that escalated over the following weeks. Dershowitz, who wore a "Proud American Zionist" shirt during the initial encounter, believed the vendor recognized him and refused service due to his political views, particularly his support for Israel and his role in defending Donald Trump.

Despite the vendor's claim of being legally justified, Dershowitz argued that this refusal constituted political discrimination. He pointed to Massachusetts law, which prohibits refusing service based on race or other protected classes, though it does not extend to political beliefs.

Two weeks later, Dershowitz returned to the market with the intention of purchasing pierogis again. This time, however, he was met with a crowd of protestors who had learned about the previous incident. As he approached the booth, he was once again denied service, and the crowd chanted, “Time to go!”

Musician and comic Ami Kozak, who was performing at the island’s Jewish Culture Festival, witnessed the event and described it as a gesture of peace. Kozak shared live footage on Instagram, expressing his belief that the situation could have been avoided if the vendor simply sold Dershowitz the pierogis. He criticized the crowd’s reaction, noting that they were applauding the vendor instead of supporting Dershowitz.

Reactions to the incident were mixed online. Some praised the vendor for standing by their ethics, while others felt the actions were inappropriate. The event highlighted the growing divide in opinions regarding political beliefs and personal choices, especially in public spaces.

The controversy surrounding Dershowitz's experience at the farmers market has sparked discussions about the boundaries of free speech, the role of personal convictions in business decisions, and the impact of public scrutiny on individuals. While neither Dershowitz nor Miskevich has issued a public statement on the matter, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of navigating political and social dynamics in everyday interactions.