Published: May 30 1998
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-12.pdf
About this Issue
The twelfth issue marks a new chapter for the publication formerly known as Cirkular. Now renamed Hrvatska Iskra (The Croatian Spark), it carries a renewed mission to unite, inform, and inspire the Croatian community in Canada and around the world. This edition celebrates Croatia’s Statehood Day, reflects on national pride and gratitude toward those who supported the homeland during the war, and highlights achievements in science, culture, and community life. It captures both the resilience of the Croatian people and the warmth of their diaspora.
Editor’s Letter: From the Darkness of War to the Light of Freedom
Valentina Krčmar opens the issue with a deeply personal editorial written after watching a PBS documentary on Radovan Karadžić. The program rekindled painful memories of sleepless wartime nights, when Croatians around the world waited anxiously for news from home.
She contrasts those dark years with the present moment, celebrating Croatia’s eighth Statehood Day as a symbol of endurance and unity. Valentina reminds readers that independence was born through blood, tears, and sacrifice, and she urges gratitude toward Croatia’s friends abroad who never turned away. Among those she names are Bob MacDonald, Barbara Taylor, and Hazel McCallion, whose efforts brought comfort and visibility to the Croatian cause.
In this same letter, she announces the newsletter’s new name, Hrvatska Iskra, explaining that iskra means “spark.” It represents warmth, creativity, and the ongoing light of communication among Croatians in Canada. Her wish is that this spark grows into a lasting flame that connects future generations.
Croatia’s Path to Statehood
This issue celebrates Dan Državnosti (Statehood Day) as a unifying moment for Croatians everywhere. Valentina writes that the holiday belongs to every Croatian heart, regardless of political background. The articles reflect on the courage it took to declare independence in 1991 and the collective effort that led to freedom. Statehood Day is described as both a time of remembrance and a promise for the future.
Science Feature: Dr. Krešimir Krnjević and the Secrets of the Brain
A science feature spotlights Dr. Krešimir Krnjević, a Croatian-Canadian neuroscientist at McGill University in Montreal. Born in Zagreb in 1927, Dr. Krnjević became one of the world’s leading experts on brain function. His discoveries about how neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA communicate between nerve cells earned him the Wilder Penfield Award and the Order of Canada.
The article traces his journey from postwar Europe to Canada, highlighting how his research continues to inspire Croatian students and scientists. Dr. Krnjević expresses optimism about the future of medicine, predicting that one day science will prevent the brain damage caused by strokes.
Health and Nutrition
Dr. Darko Desaty contributes a practical article about fats in the human diet, explaining the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats and the role of essential fatty acids. He encourages readers to avoid extremes and embrace balance in eating habits, emphasizing that good health comes from moderation and consistency rather than strict rules.
Community News
Toronto’s Croatian community continues to thrive, with numerous organizations and events featured in this issue.
Bedem Ljubavi (Mothers for Peace) organized a spring garage sale and prepared a Father’s Day Lunch to raise funds for children and families affected by war.
The Festival of Croatian Folklore in Windsor brought together more than 2,000 performers and 5,000 attendees, creating a joyful celebration of music, dance, and unity. Bishop Franjo Komarica was a guest of honour, recognizing the community’s cultural strength.
Croatian Community Services in Mississauga announced free computer training and employment support for adults.
The Humanitarian Association for the Reconstruction of Vukovar ’98 continued its campaign to rebuild schools, homes, and public spaces destroyed during the war. Every dollar raised by the diaspora, the article notes, represents a piece of hope returned to the homeland.
National and International News
- Several news reports provide insight into Croatia’s political and social progress in early 1998.
- Germany pledged new support for the reconstruction of Vukovar, while Croatia purchased more than 1,400 damaged properties to provide housing for returnees.
- Preparations began for Pope John Paul II’s second visit to Croatia, scheduled for October 1998.
- In Bosnia, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien visited peacekeeping troops and local officials to assess post-war recovery efforts.
- The newsletter also reports on Croatia’s national football team, describing the excitement surrounding its participation in the 1998 World Cup in France.
- Further updates mention rising tension in Kosovo, where civilian casualties and unrest were growing as international negotiations faltered.
Cultural Heritage
A feature piece honours Ivan Zajc (1832–1914), the composer of Nikola Šubić Zrinski, one of Croatia’s most celebrated operas. His music, particularly the patriotic chorus “U boj, u boj!”, remains a symbol of bravery and national pride. The article traces Zajc’s artistic journey from Rijeka to Zagreb and his lifelong contribution to Croatian culture. His legacy, it says, is the sound of a people who refused to lose their voice.
Closing Reflections
Iskra No. 12 is an issue of rebirth and continuity. It celebrates Croatia’s Statehood Day, honours its supporters abroad, and brings new depth to its pages through science, culture, and community spirit. The “spark” that gives the publication its name stands for light that never goes out — the unity of Croatians who remember their past and build their future together.
