Published: February 17, 2003
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-118.pdf
About This Issue
Iskra No. 118 captures a moment of dual emotion — national pride and communal unrest. On one hand, Croatia stands tall in the global spotlight as Janica and Ivica Kostelić make history at the World Championships in St. Moritz. Their golden victories inspire hope, unity, and admiration among Croatians worldwide. Yet amid this celebration, Valentina Krčmar’s editorial reveals an ongoing crisis within the Croatian Credit Union (HKZ), whose internal divisions threaten to fracture one of the community’s most trusted institutions.
The issue moves gracefully between triumph and tension, from the snowy heights of Swiss ski slopes to the meeting halls of Toronto, where members gather to confront questions of honesty, leadership, and belonging. Through it all, Valentina’s voice remains steady — a reminder that national pride must be matched with integrity at home.
Editorial: “Between Light and Shadow”
Valentina opens the issue with a reflection on uncertain times. The Canadian skies are blue, she writes, but the world feels overshadowed by the threat of war and moral unrest. Turning inward, she recalls the most recent HKZ meeting, describing it as a test of conscience for the Croatian community in Canada.
She insists that those working to “set things right” are not against the Credit Union, but rather fighting for its survival. Her disappointment is reserved for the small circle of men whose actions have jeopardized trust and unity. “Ask me who is really against HKZ,” she writes pointedly, “and I think the answer is clear to everyone.”
Valentina also pays tribute to the late Zvonko Mekinda, the first editor of Cirkular (the predecessor to Iskra), remembering his laughter, passion, and deep love for Croatia. “His name will always remain on the front page,” she vows, a symbolic link between the past and her own mission to preserve truth in the present.
National & Sports News: “Golden Siblings of St. Moritz”
The heart of this issue celebrates Croatia’s skiing royalty — Janica and Ivica Kostelić, the first brother and sister in history to both win gold at a world championship. Despite injuries and exhaustion, Janica conquered the slalom and combined events, earning her place among the greatest athletes of her time. Ivica’s triumph followed, sealing Croatia’s reputation as a rising alpine power alongside Austria.
Valentina writes with visible pride about how, for a small nation that once fought for recognition, these victories “painted the Alps in red, white, and blue.” The issue includes reflections on the athletes’ courage and discipline — a metaphor for resilience that mirrors the endurance of the Croatian people themselves.
The HKZ Affair: “Truth, Fear, and Fatigue”
The most charged portion of the issue revisits the Hrvatska Kreditna Zadruga scandal. Through an open conversation with readers, Valentina describes the emotional toll of ongoing lawsuits, dismissals, and internal accusations. She recounts receiving a call from a long-time subscriber in Hamilton who canceled his subscription out of frustration over the HKZ conflict — a gesture that saddened her deeply.
Her response is defiant but compassionate. “Yes, I too suffer,” she writes, “as do all of you who once believed this institution was ours.” She questions how so many thousands of dollars have been spent on legal fees while moral accountability remains scarce. For Valentina, the fight is not about power but about preserving dignity and responsibility within the Croatian-Canadian community.
Several letters from readers follow, including a thoughtful response from Damir Borovčak in Zagreb, who thanks Valentina for her transparency and courage. He urges diaspora leaders to act with integrity and laments the waste of community funds: “With what was spent on lawyers, how much good could have been done?”
Community News: “The Soundtrack of Our Lives”
A milestone is celebrated — the 35th anniversary of the radio show Zvuci Hrvatske, hosted by Ivica and Karmen Lončarić. Valentina honors their dedication, describing how their warm voices have connected Croatians across Ontario for decades.
During the Homeland War, she recalls, their program was more than just entertainment — it was a lifeline. Through news, appeals, and messages, it became “the heartbeat of a scattered nation.” The Iskra editorial team joins in congratulating the couple for their service: “You gave your time, your holidays, your voices — and through you, our community stayed united.”
Culture & Heritage
This issue’s cultural sections pay homage to Croatian artistry and humor. Readers enjoy Ivica Puhalo’s witty reflection “Nisam star, ali…” (“I’m Not Old, But…”), a light-hearted poem about aging gracefully and laughing at oneself. Another contribution, “Mi smo dečki”, revives traditional Kajkavian humor, reminding readers that even in diaspora, laughter and song preserve identity.
In “Za mlade i starije domaćice” (“For Young and Older Housewives”), Valentina shares her personal recipe for Turkish-style coffee, written with warmth and nostalgia — a small but intimate gesture of connection with her readers.
Health & Wellness
Dr. Darko Desaty contributes a comprehensive article on systemic lupus (SLE), an autoimmune disorder affecting connective tissue and vital organs. His column emphasizes early diagnosis, lifestyle management, and dietary recommendations — notably vegetarian meals and omega-3-rich foods.
Another feature introduces the first contraceptive patch approved in the United States, Ortho Evra, marking a breakthrough in women’s reproductive health and autonomy.
In Memoriam
Valentina dedicates a heartfelt tribute to Mrs. Agnes Donko (1929–2003), her daughter’s mother-in-law, remembering her kindness, warmth, and devotion to family. “It was a great privilege to know you and have you in our lives,” she writes, offering solace to all who mourn her loss.
Closing Reflection
Despite the heavy shadows cast by division and loss, Valentina closes with renewed hope. She calls upon readers to keep faith — in truth, in decency, and in one another. “We cannot stay silent,” she insists. “To remain silent is to betray what we have built together.”
Through courage, compassion, and her unwavering belief in the community’s moral strength, Valentina once again turns a painful chapter into a call for unity.
