It was quite disturbing to read about Stephan Zeffren being attacked on the streets of the Upper East Side (“Kippah-Wearing Teaneck Resident Attacked On Streets of NYC,” November 7, 2024). But at the risk of blaming the victim, Mr. Zeffren reported that he was returning to his office with airpods in his ears. Perhaps presumptuous, but the possibility of being oblivious to his surroundings and sucker punched by some antisemitic cretin is not out of the question.
Often I observe teenagers and adults crossing streets with their eyes and ears plastered to their iPhones and not realizing that at any moment they could be hit by a car or have their phone snatched. That is not to say people could be attacked even with their total faculties intact. It’s time people put down their electronic habits and focus on who is before, in the back of and on the side of you, so at least some form of vigilance can be maintained.
We live in an era where being distracted by electronic devices has become commonplace, but it’s crucial to recognize that this habit can also leave us vulnerable. This is not about victim blaming; it’s a reminder that heightened awareness can potentially prevent situations from escalating. Whether for personal safety or simply being present in our surroundings, putting down devices occasionally and being mindful of what’s happening around us can only benefit us.
