Letters to the Editor: This year I am giving thanks for our brave firefighters

As fires continue to rage to the north and smolder to the east, I, like many people, marvel at the heroism of firefighters and first responders.

We all want to do our part to thank these men and women who risk their lives for others. I am in a unique position to do so.

Over the years, I have become the primary care physician to many firefighters, and as they come in for treatment and care, I make a point of telling them how grateful I am for their heroic efforts.

They are always humble and a bit embarrassed by the gratitude, but I express it anyway. I became a doctor to save lives, so one of the greatest joys I have comes from healing and helping those who save others.

Southern California is often beset with fires at this time of year, and many of the firefighters I see in my office are veterans of the county’s worst conflagrations. But this year was different. In one day, 17 fires were raging all over the state. Firefighters were stretched thin, and my patients — the brave men and women who battle these blazes — were put to the test in seemingly impossible ways.

The Canyon Fire 2 alone took more than a week to contain. While it burned 9,217 acres, the fire resulted in not a single loss of life. Often firefighters barely contain one blaze before being deployed to another. Many were sent from Anaheim directly to the wine country fires.

You don’t hear these men and women complain about exhaustion or fear. Not a word. They keep their minds clear and do what needs to be done to save others.

When I tell these patients that I commend what they do and hold them in high regard, they usually become fixated on the floor tiles. I know it’s embarrassing to receive accolades for simply “doing the job,” but when I consider the bravery it takes to head toward danger, I’m moved with awe.

In addition to firefighters, I regularly treat police officers and other first-responders. I tell them I am not only impressed by their work, I am grateful that I can play a part in helping my community simply by keeping these incredible heroes healthy and active.

So this Thanksgiving season, when you see firefighters, police officers, ambulance drivers or emergency medical technicians, make a point of thanking them. I know I will. Even if it embarrasses them a bit.

Dr. Amit K. Hiteshi

Hoag Medical Group

Newport Beach

A trip to the Mideast provides perspectives on intolerance

My wife and I recently traveled to Israel, a bucket list item before our health and money run out. The nine-day tour not only included the much-known ancient holy places but also locations relevant to Israel’s existence today.

On our third day we visited a kibbutz that is situated on a small mountaintop that overlooks the Lebanese border. This was the location of the 2006 Hezbollah rocket attacks, which killed civilians in the surrounding area. In the near distance, on the Lebanese side, we observed a lone black flag that stands in defiance of Israel.

Later that day we drove up to the Golan Heights, which overlooks the Syrian border. I talked with a United Nations observer from Chile as he scanned the border with high-powered binoculars in search of Syrian rebels who live in the windowless homes in the valley below. Four days later there were three rockets launched from Syria that landed in the hillside some few miles away.

Two days later we were in Jerusalem visiting the Old City and its many holy places. During our day in the city the Israeli army discovered another tunnel dug by Hamas from Gaza (started in an elementary school) into the country. The army destroyed the tunnel but the world press called it “Israeli aggression.” A great example of continuing falsehood and persecution.

The following day we heard the Israeli judo team was competing in the United Arab Emirates. An Israeli took first place in his class.

The UAE refused to play the Israeli national anthem. A form of persecution?

To really comprehend persecution by one group of people against another, a visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center should be a prerequisite. Those in our country who believe that America is a land of social and racial prejudice of great degree should seriously consider a walk through this center.

America is not perfect, but no other country has done more for minorities and the disadvantaged than this land of the free and brave. It’s repugnant to think NFL players who make more money than doctors, lawyers and teachers feel so abused that they are compelled to “take a knee” during the national anthem to broadcast their so-called misstreatment.

Throughout their history the story of the Jewish people has been one of accusation, condemnation and yes, persecution. There is much to learn and understand in the land of the Jews.

Bill Dunlap

Newport Beach

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