Published: July 15, 2003
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-122.pdf
About This Issue
In Iskra No. 122, Valentina Krčmar turns her gaze toward healing — for herself, for the community, and for the homeland. The turbulence of recent months begins to ease, replaced by a softer tone of reconciliation and introspection. She acknowledges the fatigue that has settled over the Croatian diaspora in Canada but urges readers to resist despair, to “keep working, praying, and believing that unity is not a dream but a duty.”
This issue blends deep reflection with a spirit of renewal. There are stories of cooperation among Croatian organizations, cultural celebrations in summer sunlight, and tender tributes to those who quietly shaped the community. Through it all, Valentina’s words remind readers that truth may divide for a time, but it ultimately clears the way for peace.
Editorial: “Reconciliation Without Forgetting”
Valentina opens the editorial with a note of gratitude for the many letters and calls she has received from across Canada and Croatia. “Each one,” she writes, “is a thread in a net of kindness that keeps me from falling.” She reflects on how conflict — whether within a family, an institution, or a nation — leaves invisible scars, but insists that forgiveness is not weakness.
“To forgive does not mean to forget. It means to remember without poison.”
She addresses lingering wounds surrounding the Croatian Credit Union (HKZ) controversy and the divisions it caused among community members. Without rehashing details, she calls for maturity and calm, suggesting that the time has come to move beyond blame toward rebuilding trust.
Her tone is serene, even hopeful: “What was broken can be mended — if we begin with ourselves.”
National & Political News: “Croatia Between Crisis and Confidence”
This section paints a picture of a nation navigating economic hardship while striving for political reform. Croatia’s government continues to push toward European Union integration, but domestic tensions remain high. Strikes, unemployment, and public skepticism dominate headlines.
Valentina shares a piece from Vjesnik warning of “moral erosion in leadership” and adds her own observation: “Croatia will enter Europe not through doors of policy, but through the conscience of its people.”
She also notes with pride that the Croatian diaspora continues to play a quiet yet crucial role — through remittances, donations, and cultural advocacy — in shaping the nation’s post-war recovery.
Community News: “Summer Gatherings and Small Victories”
Amid heavy global headlines, the local stories of joy shine brightly. Valentina reports on a series of uplifting events:
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The 10th annual Croatian Picnic in Mississauga, which drew hundreds of families for a day of music, food, and faith.
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The opening of the Croatian Pavilion at Toronto’s Multicultural Festival, where young performers presented traditional songs and dances to an audience that included both Croatians and Canadians of every background.
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A special Mass of Thanksgiving held by Župa Hrvatskih Mučenika, celebrating volunteers who had worked tirelessly throughout the past year.
In her commentary, Valentina describes these events as “small victories of the heart” — evidence that, despite conflicts, Croatian-Canadians continue to thrive through cultural pride and fellowship.
Culture & Heritage: “The Songs We Remember”
The cultural section is filled with nostalgia and national pride. One article celebrates the enduring legacy of Croatian folk music, with a particular focus on the tamburitza tradition that binds generations.
Valentina includes a short piece on the writer Dragutin Tadijanović, who had just celebrated his 95th birthday — a living witness to the strength of Croatian language and art through war, exile, and change.
She closes the section with her own brief reflection titled “The Bridge of Words”, in which she writes:
“Every poem, every song, every letter written in Croatian — no matter where — is a plank in the bridge that leads us home.”
Health & Wellness
Dr. Darko Desaty’s medical column focuses this month on arthritis, describing it as one of the most common ailments of aging but also one that can be managed with movement and balanced diet. He recommends gentle exercise, particularly walking and swimming, and urges readers to “stay active, not anxious.”
The health section also includes practical advice on sun safety and hydration, appropriate for the summer months.
Everyday Life & Humor
The humor pages return with a familiar lightness — a mix of village tales, sharp one-liners, and bits of domestic wisdom. One reader-submitted story, “Kako je dida naučio koristiti mobitel” (“How Grandpa Learned to Use a Cell Phone”), quickly became a favorite for its charming portrait of generational change and good-natured laughter.
In Memoriam
This issue pays tribute to several members of the Croatian community who passed away in early summer, including Dr. Ivan Mandić, a physician and poet remembered for his humility and service. Valentina’s tone in these tributes is one of gentle reverence — “Their names will fade from the newspaper, but not from the heart.”
Closing Reflection
Valentina closes the issue with a meditation on time and endurance. She acknowledges that the work of Iskra — both emotionally and financially — remains demanding, but her resolve has not weakened.
“There will always be those who question why we write. The answer is simple — because silence would mean surrender.”
Her farewell to readers is one of grace and continuity. She promises that Iskra will continue “as long as there are Croatians who wish to read about themselves with honesty and love.”
