Pierogi Protest: Dershowitz Ejected from Vineyard Market

A Controversial Encounter at the Farmers Market

Alan Dershowitz, a well-known 86-year-old attorney and professor, found himself in an unexpected situation while visiting the West Tisbury Farmers Market on Martha’s Vineyard. His visit, which was meant to enjoy some pierogis, turned into a public spectacle of criticism and rejection.

Dershowitz, who has long been a vocal supporter of Israel and previously defended Donald Trump, claims he was denied service by a pierogi vendor. The incident took place over two weeks, with the first occurrence happening on July 30. He approached the Good Pierogi booth after ordering corn and orange juice and requested six pierogis. Instead of receiving his order, the vendor refused to serve him.

According to Dershowitz, the vendor looked him in the eye and said, “No, we have plenty — I just won’t sell to you.” This moment left Dershowitz puzzled. He later recalled that he was wearing a shirt he had purchased from the same market 35 years ago, which featured a “Proud American Zionist” design. He believes the vendor recognized him and made the decision not to serve him based on his political views.

The Massachusetts law prohibits discrimination based on race or other protected classes, but political beliefs are not covered under these protections. This led to a debate about whether the vendor's actions were justified.

Good Pierogi owner Krem Miskevich later issued a statement explaining that their decision was partly based on Dershowitz’s past legal defense of Jeffrey Epstein. Miskevich described the encounter as emotionally charged and claimed it was legally justified. He expressed regret for the impact this decision had on the community.

Dershowitz has been visiting Martha’s Vineyard since 1969, when he helped defend Senator Ted Kennedy during the Chappaquiddick scandal. Every Wednesday, he would make his way to the farmers market. However, last week marked a significant change in his routine.

“You wouldn’t buy pierogis from someone who refused to serve Black people, or gay people, or transgender people,” Dershowitz stated. “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, hoping to purchase the product. This time, protestors had gathered around the tent, anticipating the event. As Dershowitz stood face-to-face with Miskevich, he was once again denied service. The crowd did not support him, chanting, “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 frustration that the situation could have been avoided if the vendor simply sold Dershowitz a pierogi.

He felt the vendor’s actions were unnecessary and even heroic, as they were met with applause. Kozak noted that the crowd was not in favor of Dershowitz, instead cheering the person who refused to serve him.

Online reactions to the incident were divided. Some praised the vendor for “standing by their ethics,” while others criticized the decision as inappropriate.

“Remember how we all thought woke was dead?” Kozak said in an Instagram story. “Well, it ain’t dead on The Vineyard.”

Neither Dershowitz nor Miskevich has issued a public statement regarding the events of August 6. The controversy surrounding the incident continues to spark discussions about freedom of speech, political beliefs, and the role of personal choices in public spaces.