Published: October 1, 2003
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-125.pdf
About This Issue
Iskra No. 125 arrives as both a warning and a testament. In this autumn issue, Valentina Krčmar reflects on the moral cost of silence — in politics, in community life, and within oneself. As Croatia edges closer to its 2003 parliamentary elections, and as diaspora organizations continue to fracture over old grievances, Valentina urges readers to remember that truth, however painful, remains the only foundation for real unity.
This issue oscillates between light and dark — gratitude for loyal readers and deep concern over apathy. “If no one speaks,” she writes, “falsehood wins by default.” Yet the pages also carry warmth: community gatherings, humor, tributes, and the comforting presence of familiar voices who, like Valentina, refuse to give up.
Editorial: “The Courage to Stand Alone”
Valentina’s opening editorial is among her most candid. She confesses to exhaustion — not from the work of publishing Iskra, but from “the indifference that greets honesty.”
She addresses the ongoing fallout of the Croatian Credit Union (HKZ) affair, where the aftershocks of distrust still ripple through the community. Some accuse her of “dividing Croats,” she says, but she insists her mission is not destruction, but remembrance:
“The truth does not divide — it only reveals what was already broken.”
Her words balance fatigue with defiance. She thanks those who continue to support Iskra, even through controversy, and assures readers that “the voice of conscience cannot be extinguished by popularity polls.”
Valentina’s voice trembles with both vulnerability and resolve:
“If I must stand alone to defend what is right, then I am not alone — for truth stands with me.”
National & Political News: “Croatia at a Crossroads”
As election season nears, Croatia’s political scene grows tense. The Račan government faces criticism over slow reforms and rising unemployment. Meanwhile, Ivo Sanader and the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) gain momentum by appealing to national pride and frustration with bureaucracy.
A commentary from Vjesnik titled “Promises, Promises” exposes pre-election theatrics: campaign slogans, symbolic gestures, and moral fatigue among citizens. Valentina observes wryly, “Every election in Croatia feels like a confession — many promises, little repentance.”
The issue also covers Croatia’s cooperation with The Hague Tribunal, noting that several cases remain unresolved. Valentina, ever measured, reminds readers that justice delayed is still preferable to justice denied.
Community News: “Voices That Keep Us Together”
Despite the storm clouds of politics, the Croatian-Canadian community continues to create moments of connection and joy.
Highlights include:
-
A dinner organized by the Croatian Women’s Club of Mississauga, raising funds for local families in need.
-
The Croatian Parish of the Queen of Peace hosting a fall bazaar, where traditional foods and crafts drew hundreds of visitors.
-
A tribute to educator and parish leader Dr. Frank Pavletić, recognized for decades of volunteer work and mentoring youth.
Valentina devotes special space to thank readers who send donations, personal notes, and even recipes — calling them “the true lifeline of Iskra.”
Culture & Heritage: “Guardians of the Word”
The cultural pages honor Croatian literature and identity. Valentina reprints a short reflection on Tin Ujević, describing him as “a poet who wrestled angels and demons in equal measure.” Another article explores Croatian folk embroidery, tracing its roots from Slavonia to Dalmatia and its symbolism of patience, beauty, and belonging.
A standout feature, “Books We Carry With Us,” urges parents to share Croatian classics with their children: “A nation without memory loses its compass — and so does every family that stops telling stories.”
Health & Wellness: “The Hidden Cost of Stress”
Dr. Darko Desaty returns with a deeply practical article about stress-related illnesses, linking chronic anxiety to heart disease, insomnia, and digestive problems. He advises readers to seek rest and connection rather than medication alone.
“We cannot change the world around us,” he writes, “but we can change the way we meet it.”
A companion piece discusses the benefits of herbal teas — particularly chamomile, linden, and lemon balm — as natural aids for anxiety and sleep.
Everyday Life & Humor
The humor section provides respite from the issue’s gravity. Jokes poke fun at politicians (“Every government promises bridges — even where there are no rivers”) and married life (“My husband says I never listen… at least I think that’s what he said”).
There’s also a reader-submitted story titled “Baba i mobitel, drugi dio” (“Grandma and the Cell Phone, Part Two”) — a sequel to a fan-favorite from a previous issue — filled with affectionate mischief.
In Memoriam
Valentina dedicates this section to Ivan Jukić, a longtime supporter of Croatian cultural institutions in Canada, and Mara Jelić, remembered for her devotion to her parish and family. Her tribute is tender and simple: “Their absence leaves a quiet echo, but their kindness remains loud.”
Closing Reflection
Valentina ends with a meditation on the moral loneliness of truth-tellers. She acknowledges that Iskra’s survival is uncertain, but her purpose remains unchanged:
“We cannot let convenience rewrite history. Every page we print is a piece of evidence that someone cared enough to remember.”
Her farewell to readers is both humble and resolute: “As long as one light remains, it is enough to keep the dark from winning.”
