Date: August 17, 1994
Author: Valentina Krčmar, Director, Mothers for Peace – Bedem Ljubavi (Toronto Chapter)
Addressed to: Mr. Don Sellar, Ombudsman, The Toronto Star
View the Original Letter: krcmar book 2_Part148_Part1.pdf
About This Letter
On August 17, 1994, Valentina Krčmar, writing as Director of Mothers for Peace (Bedem Ljubavi), addressed Don Sellar, Ombudsman at The Toronto Star, to protest an unjust portrayal of Croatian Canadians in the newspaper’s “Darts and Laurels” section published on August 12, 1994.
The editorial had apparently grouped Canadian Croatians with Canadian Greeks in criticism related to fan behaviour at a recent basketball game — a connection Krčmar found both inaccurate and damaging to the reputation of her community.
“It is important that the Canadian Croatian community is given a fair treatment, especially when they behave correctly.”
Krčmar had already contacted Ms. Sandra Gage, the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Basketball Canada, who confirmed that her organization had issued no statement grouping Croatian fans with any others. Ms. Gage also offered to speak directly with Sellar or any member of the press to clarify the matter.
“They have never grouped Canadian-Croatians with the Canadian-Greek fans. She also said she would be willing to talk to you, and anyone from the press, about this painful issue for the Canadian-Croatian community.”
Krčmar’s tone is polite yet firm — a model of respectful advocacy. She acknowledges that if Croatian fans had acted inappropriately, the community would accept responsibility; however, she insists that truth and fairness must prevail when no wrongdoing occurred.
“If we, Canadian-Croats, did not behave correctly, we should be told so, but if we did, we should not be condemned for something we were not guilty of.”
Her closing words encapsulate the broader mission of Mothers for Peace — to defend justice, truth, and dignity not only in the face of war but also in the realm of public perception. Krčmar’s letter serves as a reminder that fairness in media representation is essential to maintaining unity, respect, and understanding within Canada’s multicultural society.
