Published: July 31, 2001
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-87-88.pdf
About This Issue
The double issue of Iskra (Nos. 87–88) was released in the shadow of immense national tension. Just as Croatia prepared to celebrate Dan domovinske zahvalnosti — the Day of Homeland Gratitude — news broke that General Ante Gotovina had been indicted by The Hague Tribunal for alleged war crimes during Operation Storm (Oluja).
Editor Valentina Krčmar devotes much of this issue to defending Croatia’s sovereignty, condemning The Hague’s bias, and rallying Croatians at home and abroad to speak out. She draws a direct connection between The Hague’s credibility crisis and injustices faced by Croatian soldiers.
The issue blends political outrage, patriotic remembrance, community pride, and heartfelt calls for unity — all wrapped in Valentina’s signature blend of sharp political insight and emotional depth.
Editorial: “Pišite, Zovite, Reagirajte”
Valentina opens with urgency and conviction. She implores readers in Canada to respond publicly — through radio, newspapers, and letters — to The Hague’s accusations:
“We are all shocked by the accusation from The Hague. But so far, no one from Toronto or Canada has officially reacted. Please, react today — the destiny of all Croatians is in our hands.”
She thanks readers for their loyalty during her trip to Croatia and reminds them of the paper’s purpose: to give voice to the Croatian diaspora and preserve truth when international media distort it.
She also mourns the passing of Marica Goršić, a devoted volunteer from Hamilton whose quiet work helped keep Iskra alive.
Motrišta: “Haag i Hrvatska Pravda”
In her Motrišta column, Valentina delivers one of her most impassioned editorials to date
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. She begins by recalling the pride of Operation Storm — the moment when Croatia reclaimed its occupied territories — only to contrast it with today’s “dark clouds from The Hague.”
She is particularly outraged by revelations that The Hague Tribunal had employed Rwandan investigators later accused of war crimes themselves.
“How can anyone believe in justice from a court that used war criminals to investigate others? When such people search for truth, the truth itself dies.”
Valentina condemns what she sees as a deliberate double standard:
“They are silent about Škabrnja, silent about Čelije, silent about Dalj. The crimes against Croats remain untouched, while those who defended Croatia stand accused.”
She argues that Milosević’s extradition to The Hague was not an act of justice but of political barter:
“Milosević was not sent to The Hague because Serbs believe he belongs there — he was sold for financial aid.”
Valentina’s tone intensifies as she addresses the indictment of Gotovina:
“Read that phantom indictment! They accuse the entire Croatian leadership of planning and executing the expulsion of Serbs — the very people who attacked and burned Croatia.”
She criticizes both the former and current Croatian governments — the first for signing damaging international agreements, the second for staying silent and failing to defend its generals.
Her plea is directed at Croatians in Canada:
“We must organize again, and urgently speak with Ottawa about The Hague. If we sit and do nothing, we are to blame for what comes next.”
She ends with a chilling warning:
“The war for Croatia is not over — it still continues. Pick up your pens, call your representatives, and let’s act. If we remain silent, they might drag us — or our children — into The Hague next.”
Feature: “Uz Dan Domovinske Zahvalnosti”
A historical reflection honors Operation Storm (Oluja) — Croatia’s 1995 military operation that liberated occupied territories and reunited the nation.
The section recalls key events:
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August 4, 1995: Croatian forces launch Oluja to reclaim Knin, Gračac, Slunj, Glina, Petrinja, and other areas.
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August 5: Knin is liberated; the Croatian flag is raised over the fortress.
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August 6: Petrinja, Slunj, Plitvice, and Obrovac are freed.
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August 8: Defense Minister Gojko Šušak announces that Oluja is complete — in only 84 hours.
A poem by Zvonimir Golob, “Kako se piše pjesma o domovini” (“How to Write a Poem About the Homeland”), follows — a moving tribute to sacrifice and pride:
“Say the words you love,
speak them as you breathe —
for every word of love
becomes part of Croatia’s sky.”
National and International Updates
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General Ante Gotovina officially indicted by The Hague for crimes allegedly committed during Operation Storm.
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Prime Minister Ivica Račan sends a formal protest letter to prosecutor Carla del Ponte but faces criticism for being too mild.
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General Rasim Ademi voluntarily surrenders to The Hague, stating he goes “to seek justice.”
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Vesna Škare-Ožbolt and Dražen Budiša voice political discontent; Budiša resigns in protest.
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The Croatian Bishops’ Conference (HBK) issues a statement defending the morality and necessity of the Homeland War.
Community News
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Fundraiser announced for Ivana Soldo, a young woman from Poreč requiring a life-saving liver transplant.
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Croatian folklore group Marjan from Brampton wins third place at the Carabram Multicultural Festival, alongside guests from Samobor — Tamburaški Ansambl Ferdo Livadić.
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Tributes to Marica Godić and Barbara Jean Taylor, both remembered for their dedication to Croatian causes and Mothers for Peace (Bedem Ljubavi).
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Announcement of the annual Velika Gospa pilgrimage at the Queen of Peace Croatian Centre in Norval.
Health and Lifestyle
An article titled “Prirodno liječenje biljem” (“Natural Healing with Herbs”) explores the benefits and risks of herbal medicine, citing concerns about unregulated supplements and contamination. It emphasizes responsible use and education as the key to safety.
Humor Section
“Smijeh nije grijeh” (“Laughter Is Not a Sin”) provides short medical and political jokes — a touch of humor amidst heavy topics.
Closing Thoughts
Valentina’s Motrišta column stands as one of her strongest political pieces — passionate, patriotic, and prophetic. She reminds readers that silence is complicity and that truth must be defended not only on the battlefield but also in the pages of history.
“We defended Croatia once with arms. Now we must defend it with our voices.”
