Published: January 31, 2002
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-100.pdf
About This Issue
The 100th issue of Hrvatska Iskra marks a major milestone for Valentina Krčmar and her team. It celebrates a century of publication while confronting the reality that truth-telling in journalism often comes at a cost. Valentina’s editorial is both a self-reflection and a tribute—to the readers, writers, and Croatian emigrants who kept the paper alive through “trnje” (thorns) to truth.
The issue opens with a heartfelt farewell to Matica Iseljenika’s long-time editor Nenad Goll, whose integrity deeply influenced Valentina. It continues with political reports, letters from Croatia and Canada, health features, poetry, humor, and community news, uniting Croatians at home and abroad under one enduring message: truth, courage, and connection.
Editorial: “The Departure of Nenad Goll”
Valentina devotes her opening essay to the resignation of Nenad Goll, chief editor of Matica Iseljenika, whose parting letter lamented growing political interference and a “crisis of identity” within the institution.
“As long as Matica’s ear prefers the siren call of Pantovčak to the voices of Croatian emigrants, its purpose will remain in question.”
Having personally collaborated with Goll, Valentina recalls his commitment to giving emigrants a platform and to printing “the voices of those who loved Croatia, regardless of tone or colour.” His courage to publish unpopular truths inspired her own editorial mission:
“To be an editor is never easy—but to be an editor who listens to the people, not the powerful, is a daily battle.”
She reprints Goll’s private note to her—an emotional message of gratitude and solidarity—where he praised Iskra for keeping “the patriotic flame alive even in stormy times.” Valentina interprets his words as a personal charge:
“Because of Goll, Hrvatska Iskra will continue through the thorns—not to the stars, but to truth.”
Feature: “Ten Years of Croatia’s Recognition”
This section covers the 10th anniversary of Croatia’s international recognition, including Prime Minister Ivica Račan’s promise to seek EU membership by 2003 and President Stjepan Mesić’s controversial speech in Parliament.
Mesić’s address praised progress but urged honesty about past mistakes:
“We must break the embrace of a manipulated past that pulls us backward. Only when we free ourselves of its weight can we move toward a shared European future.”
The article notes divided reactions—some applauding his moral tone, others calling the speech “catastrophic.” HDZ leader Ivo Sanader accused Mesić of turning a celebration into political criticism, while Vesna Pusić defended the president’s courage to “look truth in the eye.”
Report: “Kardinal Vinko Puljić Visits Oakville”
During his 2002 Canadian tour, the Vrhbosna Archbishop and Cardinal Vinko Puljić celebrated Mass in Oakville to a packed Croatian parish. He reminded worshippers to preserve their cultural and spiritual identity:
“Guard the values you brought here, and pass them to your children.”
The visit coincided with a national folklore seminar led by Ivan Ivančan and Siniša Leopold, bridging the homeland and diaspora through music and dance.
“They expect no reward—only that we continue their work, keeping Croatian song alive without ‘Canadianizing’ it.”
Essay: “Croatia and the Euro” by Dr. Tihomir Janjiček
Economist Dr. Tihomir Janjiček analyzes Croatia’s readiness for European integration after the euro’s 2002 introduction. He reveals that Croatians converted approximately US $17 billion of undeclared savings into euros—a figure surpassing half of the national GDP.
“The problem is not the lack of capital but the lack of trust.”
He criticizes weak financial oversight and argues that reforming banking governance and public confidence is essential before Croatia can thrive within the EU.
Health Column: “Viral Diseases and Prevention” by Dr. Darko Desaty
A detailed educational article explains viruses, their transmission, and prevention, focusing on common cold and influenza. It emphasizes vaccination, hygiene, and rest as the best defenses.
“A cold needs care, not antibiotics. Let the cough protect, not punish.”
Culture and Poetry
The poem “Jubilarni Sto-Broj” celebrates Iskra’s 100th issue as a defiant flame:
“They wish to tear her soul apart like wolves,
but through the symbols of the chessboard,
the triplet, and the maple leaf,
she breathes Croatian spirit still.”
Also reprinted is “Litany” by Zvonimir Golob, a humorous yet biting plea for freedom from bureaucracy, clichés, and false authority.
Community Highlights
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Announcement of a fundraising banquet for the new church in Norval.
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General Tihomir Blaškić sends a Christmas letter from The Hague thanking Iskra for its moral support.
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Notices from the Canadian Croatian Club Zagorje and several parishes invite members to upcoming Stepinčevo celebrations.
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A recipe and a homemade cough-syrup remedy offer readers simple comfort amid winter illnesses.
Humor Corner
Lighthearted jokes close the issue, including “The Lazy Husband’s Ashes” and a story of a soldier-cook “wounded twice in the kitchen.”
Closing Reflection
Valentina ends the centennial edition with humility:
“One hundred issues behind us—it may not sound like much, but for those who live this paper, it means everything.”
She thanks readers for sharing their emotions, letters, and ideas, promising that Hrvatska Iskra will continue “through thorns, not toward fame, but toward truth.”
