Published: September 1998
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-17.pdf
About This Issue:
Iskra No. 17 is one of the most emotionally charged issues to date, centered around a deeply personal editorial by Valentina Krčmar, whose reflection on the decision to allow a Yugoslav consulate in Vukovar evokes outrage, disbelief, and grief. The issue also features national and international news updates, community announcements, cultural pieces, and stories from Croatia’s continued path toward recovery and self-definition in the late 1990s.
The Editor Speaks: “Vukovar Is Sacred Ground”
Valentina opens with a searing editorial titled “Motrišta”, expressing anguish and disbelief at the Croatian government’s decision to approve the opening of a Serbian consulate in Vukovar. For her, and for countless Croatians at home and abroad, this felt like a betrayal of those who suffered and died defending the city.
She recalls the images of Ovčara, Šiniša Glavašević, and the years of devastation brought upon the people of Vukovar. Her tone is raw and reflective, mixing sorrow with moral conviction. “I am not a politician,” she writes, “but a human being who cries at injustice.”
Valentina questions how anyone could allow official representatives of Serbia—the nation responsible for Vukovar’s destruction—to walk its streets in an official capacity. She insists that Vukovar, soaked in the blood of its defenders, must remain sacred and untouched by those who brought it ruin.
This powerful column captures the pulse of diaspora outrage and mourning, giving voice to many who felt their sacrifices were being overlooked for the sake of diplomacy.
News from Croatia
The HINA section brings coverage of mid- to late-August 1998, with reports on Croatia’s foreign relations, domestic policies, and developments in the Balkans.
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President Franjo Tuđman appoints new ambassadors to Brazil, Austria, and Norway.
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Croatia and Slovenia continue negotiations over the Krško nuclear plant and border disputes.
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Reports describe the tense situation in Kosovo, including Albanian civilian casualties and Serbian military aggression.
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U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright announces her upcoming visit to Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina to reaffirm U.S. support for postwar democracy.
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The return of refugees to Vukovar and surrounding regions continues, though progress is slow.
Life and Culture
Valentina’s editorial aside, the issue continues its familiar blend of cultural pride and everyday life. There are articles on:
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Croatian poetry, featuring works by Jure Kaštelan, Dragutin Domjanić, and Drago Gervais, each representing a different dialectal region of Croatia.
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Children’s Page, where young readers learn about regional dialects and poems to preserve cultural identity.
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Recipes and household advice under the “Svastice” column, including traditional dishes like Dubrovnik rozata and lignje na dubrovački.
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An English feature on the Morcic jewelry of Rijeka, tracing its origins as a symbol of the region’s maritime heritage.
Diaspora and Community
Within Canada’s Croatian community, Iskra continues to highlight gatherings, cultural events, and unity across parishes. Notices appear for:
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A joint Labour Day picnic organized by Croatian political and Christian democratic groups in Mississauga.
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Updates from the Croatian language program at the University of Toronto, with growing student interest under Professor Jasna Šego.
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Encouragement for community sponsorships and continued subscription support for the newsletter.
Valentina reminds readers that Iskra is a labor of love and survival — a voice that depends on collective engagement to keep Croatian culture vibrant across oceans.
Sports and Pride
Following the 1998 World Cup triumph, Croatian teams continue to carry national pride into European competitions.
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Zagreb’s Croatia enters the Champions League after defeating Scotland’s Celtic.
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Hajduk Split and Varteks begin UEFA Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup campaigns.
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Croatian-Canadian teams prepare for the North American Croatian Soccer Tournament, hosted that year by “Adria” in Oshawa.
Health and Wellness
The issue closes with a feature on aromatherapy, tracing its ancient roots and holistic benefits. It introduces readers to natural healing practices from civilizations like Egypt, India, and China, blending modern curiosity with cultural appreciation.
Closing Thought
Iskra No. 17 is both a cry and a call — a reminder that remembrance is not merely mourning, but resistance. Through the lens of Vukovar’s wounds and Croatia’s ongoing journey toward peace, Valentina’s editorial reaffirms the moral core of the diaspora: to never forget, to never grow indifferent, and to honor the fallen by keeping their stories alive.
