Published: February 15, 2001
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-76.pdf
About This Issue
Iskra No. 76 captures one of the most turbulent moments in post-war Croatia — the national outcry over General Mirko Norac’s indictment. Valentina Krčmar uses her Motrišta column to call for clarity, courage, and moral accountability, invoking the example of Blessed Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac as a guiding light in a time clouded by anger and confusion. Alongside political reflection, this issue celebrates community achievements, faith-based milestones, and offers practical health guidance.
Editorial: “With Love and Pain for Croatia”
In her opening note, Valentina admits that preparing Iskra can be emotionally difficult. The latest events in Croatia — political divisions, protests, and bitterness among Croatians — have weighed heavily on her.
“No one expected that a Croat would hate a Croat, that brother would turn against brother — and yet, that is what we see today.”
She responds to readers who have asked her to stop writing about politics, arguing that Iskra can never abandon its mission to speak about Croatia’s realities. However, she promises to give increasing attention to the Canadian-Croatian community, where vitality and engagement are growing.
“We have put down roots here, and we are proud of it — but we still need your help. Share your events, your stories, your milestones. Together, we become stronger.”
Her words close on a personal note, thanking supporters and sponsors while sending heartfelt wishes for Valentine’s Day:
“To all of you — may St. Valentine bring love into your hearts.”
Motrišta: “Truth and the Example of Stepinac”
This Motrišta essay — among Valentina’s most impassioned — examines the uproar in Croatia over General Mirko Norac’s flight from justice. On the very day when Croatians in Canada celebrated Stepinac’s feast, protests and turmoil erupted in Croatia.
“How sad that on the day we honour Blessed Stepinac — a man of humility and courage — our homeland is consumed by shouting, accusations, and division.”
Valentina expresses respect for Norac’s heroism during the Homeland War but insists that no one is above the law or the commandment “Thou shalt not kill.”
She argues that if Norac were innocent, he should have faced the court and defended his honour as Stepinac once did before his persecutors.
“Stepinac stood before his judges with dignity. He knew what awaited him, yet he appeared out of loyalty to truth and justice. If he could stand before his oppressors, why couldn’t Norac stand before his own people?”
Her words are firm yet compassionate, calling on Croatians to reject hatred and manipulation:
“This is no longer about Norac — it’s about power and politics, about one group shouting so that another can take its place. But hatred only poisons us all.”
Valentina ends with an urgent plea:
“It’s time to stop, to lower the ball, and to think clearly. Hatred cannot build a nation; only truth can save it.”
National Overview: A Country on Edge
The Norac protests spread rapidly throughout Croatia, drawing tens of thousands to the streets. Split, Sinj, and Zagreb witnessed massive rallies, while politicians struggled to calm tensions. The media framed the crisis as a test of Croatia’s democratic maturity — between loyalty to wartime heroes and respect for the rule of law.
“This is the painful birth of democracy,” Valentina writes. “Freedom means not only pride in victory, but courage in accountability.”
Community Life: Faith, Family, and Generosity
Amid the political turmoil, the Croatian-Canadian community continued to shine through acts of unity and compassion:
-
The Croatian Martyrs Parish in Mississauga celebrated Stepinac’s feast with a moving sermon by Father Ivica Lozić, who called Stepinac “a flower of the Croatian garden — humble yet proud.”
-
A campaign led by Caritas of Knin gathered humanitarian aid for families displaced by war, with support from Toronto, Cleveland, and Chicago parishes.
-
The Hrvatska Iskra team announced plans for the first Croatian library and reading room in Mississauga, inviting donations of books and materials.
“Through such efforts,” Valentina notes, “our community becomes not only a memory of Croatia — but its living extension.”
Health Column: “Your Last Cigarette”
Dr. Darko Desaty dedicates this issue’s health article to helping readers quit smoking. He explains the physical and psychological benefits of giving up cigarettes, detailing withdrawal phases and practical methods for success.
“Within days, your body begins to heal. Within months, your strength returns. Within a year, your heart thanks you.”
The message is both medical and motivational — a call to reclaim self-control and vitality.
Community Spotlight: The Krizmančićs’ Golden Anniversary
The Iskra community proudly celebrates the 50th wedding anniversary of Roko and Anica Krizmančić. The couple marked the milestone with a thanksgiving Mass at the Church of the Croatian Martyrs in Mississauga, surrounded by family and friends.
“Their endurance through hardship and faith in one another turned life’s struggles into gold,” Valentina writes.
Reflection: “The Power of Example”
The issue closes by returning to the moral thread connecting all its stories — truth, integrity, and love in action. From Stepinac’s courage to the Krizmančićs’ faith, Valentina reminds readers that Croatia’s strength will always depend on conscience and compassion.
“Those who fear to stand for truth have already chosen the side of lies. Let us stand, as Stepinac did — firm, humble, and unafraid.”
