There are plenty of everyday dangers associated with being an assistant. Ducking whatever blunt object your boss throws at you, for example, or scalding yourself on hot coffee when you’re running to get the cup to your boss’ desk in the quickest time possible.
Lately, though, it seems like assistants have had even more to worry about. First, footballer Joey Barton’s assistant got attacked by a crazed fan who mistook the assistant for Barton. Now, STA reader Avia sends us this story from Israel. The assistant to Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter was injured by bullets shot by Palestinian sniper who was aiming for Dichter. Matii Gil, 30, was injured but is expected to make a full recovery. He also seems to be pretty badass. Gil was quoted at the hospital as saying, “There is no doubt that my life was saved. Whatever happens, I will overcome. I’m suffering from pain, but it will pass.”
I’m starting to think all assistants should demand hazard pay.
Did you hear about Artie Lang on the Howard Stern show physically attacking his assistant yesterday? They treat their interns pretty awfully there in general, of course, mostly for comic value, but physical violence crosses every line.