Published: August 31, 2002
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-111.pdf
About This Issue
Iskra No. 111 is one of the most heartfelt and powerful editions of the series. In this issue, Valentina Krčmar turns her attention to the city of Knin, the symbolic heart of Croatia’s struggle and survival. Writing with urgency and compassion, she pleads with readers to see beyond politics and statistics — to the real people still suffering years after the war.
The tone of the issue blends deep sorrow with determination. Valentina challenges the diaspora to move from sympathy to action, to help rebuild lives and restore dignity where hardship still reigns.
Editorial: “To Act, Not Just to Care”
Valentina opens the issue reflecting on the warmth of summer and the gatherings that bring Croatian families together across Canada. Yet her words quickly turn somber as she reminds readers that while they enjoy comfort and peace abroad, many in Croatia — especially in Knin — continue to live in poverty and despair.
“We say we care, but caring means little if it ends with words. It must move our hands, not just our hearts.”
She describes visiting Knin and the refugee settlement of Golubić, where she witnessed empty pantries, broken roofs, and the quiet endurance of those who still believe tomorrow will be kinder. Her plea is direct: every reader can make a difference, whether by sending aid, writing letters, or keeping hope alive through solidarity.
Motrišta: “The Face of Need”
In her feature column, Valentina paints vivid scenes from her trip through war-torn regions. She describes mothers cooking meager meals, children playing barefoot in dust, and men still searching for steady work. Despite the pain, there’s an undercurrent of resilience — the spirit of people who refuse to surrender their humanity.
“Hunger is not just the lack of bread. It is the absence of care, of being seen, of knowing someone remembers you exist.”
Her writing carries both lament and faith — a belief that compassion, when practiced sincerely, can rebuild not just homes but souls.
Feature Interview: “Voices from Within the Croatian Credit Union”
The issue includes a detailed interview with Ron Diotte, president of IWA Canada, representing the Croatian Credit Union employees who had recently unionized. He explains that the workers were not seeking conflict but fairness, after years of instability and workplace intimidation.
Diotte expresses hope that dialogue and respect will prevail, calling the unionization effort “an act of dignity, not defiance.”
Valentina frames the story as a lesson in courage — a reminder that justice begins at home, even within the institutions that claim to serve the community.
Community and Culture
The Toronto community section brings warmth and familiarity amid the heavier themes.
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Tributes honor Carolyn Vraneš Sepp, a young mother whose sudden passing left the Croatian-Canadian community in mourning.
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Local parishes organize charity events and cultural evenings to raise funds for humanitarian projects in Croatia.
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Articles celebrate the enduring strength of Croatian folklore and language programs, which continue to connect new generations to their heritage.
Faith and Reflection
The issue carries a strong spiritual current. Several short essays meditate on compassion, sacrifice, and remembrance, reminding readers that faith is lived through deeds. Valentina reflects on the recent papal visit, describing it as a moment of unity that transcended borders and politics.
“We are bound not by geography, but by gratitude — for life, for peace, for each other.”
Health & Lifestyle
Dr. Darko Desaty contributes another practical medical column, focusing on food safety and hygiene. He explains how to prevent food-borne illnesses during summer and encourages readers to prioritize health through balance and prevention.
Višnja Milas Matutinović adds a culinary section featuring comforting traditional recipes such as burek, strudel, and baklava, blending Croatian, Bosnian, and Mediterranean influences.
Literature and Art
This edition includes poems and short reflections from Croatian writers, capturing themes of loss, homecoming, and gratitude. A highlight is a review of Dr. Mirjana Hercigonja-Saucha’s book “Šmigulin – The Story of Your and My Birth,” praised for its poetic portrayal of motherhood and the sanctity of life.
Valentina’s coverage of the author’s visit to Toronto emphasizes how literature can nurture empathy and remind readers of the beauty in simplicity.
Closing Reflection
The issue ends with a moving essay from Valentina titled “Knin, My Wound and My Prayer.” She writes of standing among the ruins of homes and hearing both silence and strength — a silence filled with the voices of those who refuse to give up.
“We, who have more, must not turn away. The hunger in Knin is our test — not of wealth, but of heart.”
Her final lines remind readers that compassion is not an act of charity, but of kinship.
