Voices for Croatia

Published: December 29, 2003
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-128.pdf

About This Issue

Issue No. 128 of Iskra marks a poignant milestone — the final issue before an indefinite pause. After seven years of continuous publication, Editor-in-Chief Valentina Krčmar announces a necessary “leave of absence,” citing exhaustion, financial strain, and disillusionment with community divisions.

Despite the somber tone, this issue remains rich with gratitude, reflection, and the spirit of Christmas. It includes farewell notes to longtime contributors, national political updates following the formation of Ivo Sanader’s government, community stories, medical features, and a heartfelt poem wishing joy and renewal in the year ahead.

Editorial: “A Pause, Not a Farewell”

Valentina opens the issue by publicly thanking Mr. and Mrs. Tanfara, readers who gifted Iskra with a new monitor, copy and fax machine, and scanner. Deeply moved, she confesses to mixed feelings — joy for their kindness and guilt for receiving such generosity as the paper pauses production.

She recalls the final radio broadcast of Professor Ilija Vranešić in 1959, who, when saying goodbye to listeners, spoke through tears about love for one’s work and country. Valentina likens her own departure to his:

“Though I do not believe I am in the same position, I am, in a way, saying farewell — at least for now.”

She expresses deep appreciation for her collaborators:

Damir Borovčak, for insightful political commentary.
Višnja Milas-Matutinović, for her focus on Croatian culture and art.
Marina Vuković, whose sharp pen revealed truths others overlooked.
Biserka Milinković, for tirelessly attending weekend events and documenting the life of Toronto’s Croatian community.
Dr. Vladimir Goss, for his cultural essays and encouragement to bring Iskra online.
Dr. Darko Desaty, whose quiet contributions often went uncredited at his own request.
Emil Šimunović, for designing Iskra’s visual identity — voluntarily.
Ivica and Karmen Lončarić, hosts of Zvuci Hrvatske radio, for promoting Iskra faithfully.

Valentina concludes:

“We created a paper to be proud of. Yet one must stretch only as far as the blanket covers.”

Why the Pause

Valentina explains that continuing Iskra has become impossible due to two main factors:

Emotional and spiritual exhaustion — “After seven years of constant effort, a person simply cannot continue without rest.”
Financial hardship — Advertising support dwindled, subscriptions covered less than half the expenses, and some copies were distributed without payment.

She writes candidly:

“Had each copy of Iskra been paid for at only $3, every cost would have been covered. But now, there is no money left, and the soul is too tired.”

Her closing words are bittersweet yet hopeful:

“I deeply hope this is not the end, only a rest. May we meet again, when heart and spirit find peace.”

National & Political News: “Croatia’s New Government”

The issue details the formation of the new Croatian government following the 2003 parliamentary elections, led by Prime Minister Ivo Sanader of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).

Sanader’s cabinet — described as “the smallest and youngest in Croatian history” — includes:

Andrija Hebrang (Health and Social Affairs)
Jadranka Kosor (Family and Intergenerational Solidarity)
Božidar Kalmeta (Sea, Transport, and Tourism)
Branko Vukelić (Economy, Labour, and Entrepreneurship)
Marina Matulović-Dropulić (Environment and Construction)
Božo Biškupić (Culture)
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović (European Integration)

Sanader’s message to the nation was forward-looking: “Let us turn toward the future.”

Meanwhile, the fifth session of the Croatian Parliament convened, electing Vladimir Šeks as Speaker. The event, held on the 13th anniversary of Croatia’s Christmas Constitution, symbolized a renewal of democratic stability.

Letters & Community Reflections

Valentina’s “Letter from the Editor” expresses both sorrow and gratitude:

“We began with Cirkular in 1997, changed our name to Hrvatska Iskra, and now reach Issue No. 128. Perhaps it is a small success in the world of publishing — but still a success.”

She invites readers who prepaid subscriptions to contact her for refunds, or to leave the funds as a contribution toward any possible revival of Iskra in the future.

She ends with optimism for Croatia’s direction, commending Prime Minister Sanader for appointing world-renowned geneticist Professor Miroslav Radman as an advisor:

“It is time Croatia recognizes that those of us living abroad are ready and qualified to help our homeland.”

Community News: “Faith and Farewell”

Messages of Christmas and New Year greetings fill the pages — from Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, Croatia’s Consul General Mario Livaja, and members of the Toronto Croatian community.

The Croatian-Canadian Library and Reading Room celebrates its third anniversary, boasting over 5,000 books and 2,500 recorded loans, though struggling with space limitations. Volunteers are called upon to help maintain this “modern library — the pride of our community.”

Feature: “How to Travel While on Hemodialysis”

A remarkable human-interest story by Valentina spotlights Mr. Mladen Huljak, a Toronto-based engineer living with severe kidney disease.

Despite requiring hemodialysis three times a week, he successfully traveled to Croatia for a visit — arranging care at Zagreb’s Rebro Hospital under Prof. Dr. Petar Kes.

Huljak now advocates for medical cooperation between Canada and Croatia, proposing training exchanges for nurses specializing in dialysis treatment.

Valentina calls on readers to support this humanitarian initiative:

“If a man so gravely ill can travel home and return with joy, perhaps others can too. Life is beautiful — and it is lived only once.”

A detailed medical sidebar by Dr. Darko Desaty explains the process and importance of hemodialysis, emphasizing patient education and collaboration with doctors.

Culture & Heritage

An extended section revisits the history of Zagreb’s Trg žrtava fašizma, researched by Hrvoje Mihotić, detailing its architectural evolution from “Trg N” in the 1920s to its renaming cycles under political regimes.

Valentina includes an editor’s note apologizing for a previous printing error, reaffirming Iskra’s commitment to historical accuracy.

In Memoriam: “Dražen Kloštranac (1965–2003)”

A deeply moving obituary honors Dražen Kloštranac, who passed away at age 38. Written by his mother Pepica, the tribute recounts his life from childhood in Karlovac to his years in Canada as a devoted husband, father, and son.

“He left too soon, but his love remains — alive in every heart he touched.”

Closing Reflection: “Until We Meet Again”

Valentina ends Iskra’s final issue not with resignation, but with faith. She thanks readers, friends, and critics alike — every person who cared enough to read, question, or respond.