Published: July 31, 1999
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-39.pdf
About This Issue
Iskra No. 39 is a powerful, introspective issue centered on compassion, justice, and community responsibility. In her moving Motrišta column, Valentina Krčmar writes about placing her mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease, into a Canadian nursing home — and uses this deeply personal experience to call on the Croatian-Canadian community to create its own home for elderly Croatians.
Alongside this emotional plea, the issue includes political updates from Croatia, reports on diaspora achievements, letters from readers, and even humor and health advice. It captures the late-1990s moment when Croatian independence was secure but the work of cultural preservation — especially abroad — was just beginning.
Motrišta: “Our Mothers Among Strangers”
In one of her most heartfelt essays to date, Valentina Krčmar reflects on her mother’s transition into a Canadian nursing home. She describes the sadness of realizing that her mother — once surrounded by Croatian voices, traditions, and family — will spend her final days among strangers who do not speak her language or understand her culture.
“Her last days will pass without the sound of her native tongue,” Valentina writes, “surrounded by people she cannot understand, and who cannot understand her.”
Krčmar then turns her grief into a passionate call to action. She asks how it is possible that such a large Croatian community in Toronto and its surroundings — Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, Oshawa, Barrie, Norval — still has no Croatian nursing home.
She envisions a place where elderly Croatians could live surrounded by their language, their food, their music, and the familiar images of their homeland:
“Our elderly deserve to spend their final days with the sounds, faces, and flavors they have known all their lives — not in a foreign world.”
Her essay ends with an appeal to community leaders, especially within H.N.K. “Croatia”, which had recently purchased property in Mississauga. She suggests using part of that land to create a home for Croatian seniors — “the least we can do,” she insists, “for those who built everything we now enjoy.”
From the Editor’s Desk
In her editorial column, Krčmar reflects on the passing of John F. Kennedy Jr., writing that his death felt personal — “as though we had watched him grow.” She also comments on international controversies affecting Croatia, including claims by Canadian peacekeepers that they were exposed to toxins in Croatia and warnings from Hague prosecutor Louise Arbour about Croatia’s cooperation with the Tribunal.
Krčmar defends Croatia’s record, urges diplomatic clarity, and praises Minister Zvonimir Šeparović for his firm stance. “At last,” she writes, “someone has a spine.”
News from Croatia
A selection of key political and social updates includes:
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Marin Sopta Appointed State Secretary — President Franjo Tuđman names Sopta to the Ministry of Development and Immigration.
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Arbour Reports Croatia to the UN — The Hague accuses Croatia of non-cooperation related to Operation Storm investigations.
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U.S. Criticism of Croatian Government — The American government releases a statement condemning Croatia for suppressing media freedom and opposition parties.
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Economic Developments — Shares of Bjelovarska Banka, Valalta, and Atlas Travel Agency are listed on the Zagreb Stock Exchange.
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Infrastructure — Repairs to the Paški Bridge are delayed; completion expected by late August.
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Liberal Politics — Vladimir Gotovac, leader of the Liberal Party, calls the upcoming elections “a turning point for Croatia.”
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Sports — Croatia hosts the World Junior Canoe Championship at Jarun and prepares Maksimir Stadium for UEFA inspection.
Toronto Community Updates
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Dora Foundation Success — The 1999 charity golf tournament raised over $106,000 to sponsor 25 children in Croatia and Bosnia.
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Hladno Pivo Softball Team — A 16-member team from Toronto will represent Canada at a slo-pitch tournament in Canton, Ohio.
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American Croatians Lobby U.S. Senate — Croatian-Americans are urged to contact senators in support of Croatia’s admission to the Partnership for Peace initiative.
Voices from Readers
Letters of encouragement pour in from across Canada and the U.S., praising Iskra’s dedication and unique focus on factual reporting over commentary. One reader from Florida writes, “Iskra is different — it brings the heartbeat of Croatian life abroad.” Another from Toronto shares haunting memories of the 1945 massacres near Maribor and the need to preserve historical truth.
Health and Lifestyle
Dr. Velimir Šušak contributes an article on the benefits of backstroke swimming (leđno plivanje) for relieving spinal pain and strengthening the back muscles. The health column also discusses hydration during summer heat and natural ways to maintain wellness.
Humor and Daily Life
The Svaštice section lightens the tone with humorous essays, including “Instructions for Giving Your Cat a Pill,” and Ivica Puhalo’s witty reflections on marriage titled “Kad u loncu zakipi, digni poklopac” (“When the pot boils, lift the lid”).
Closing Thought
Iskra No. 39 captures Valentina Krčmar at her most personal — a daughter, editor, and community leader using her platform to remind Croatians in Canada of their moral duty to care for one another. The issue stands as both an emotional appeal and a mirror of the diaspora’s maturity: a community strong enough to remember, to build, and to care.
