Published: June 15, 2000
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-60.pdf
About This Issue
Iskra No. 60 captures Croatia at a turning point — a nation rich in beauty but struggling to realize its full potential. Through heartfelt editorials, community updates, and health features, the issue reveals both pride and frustration as Croatia enters a new summer season with hope pinned on tourism and a need for deeper change.
Editorial: “A Lesson from the Airport”
Editor Valentina Krčmar opens this issue with a powerful story about her recent experience at Zagreb Airport — a moment that, for her, symbolizes the broader challenges facing Croatian tourism.
After witnessing a foreign traveler being treated harshly by an airport officer, Valentina intervened, confronting the officer about his unprofessional behavior. Her reflection that followed is both personal and patriotic:
“We fight abroad for every tourist who brings their dollars to Croatia, yet some at home treat them with disdain.”
She contrasts Croatia’s untapped hospitality with her experiences in Mexico, where warmth and respect greet every visitor. Her message is unmistakable — Croatia must learn that true tourism success begins with kindness, professionalism, and pride in service.
“Tourism will not save us if we ourselves don’t change. It is not enough to have the sea and the sun — we must have heart.”
National Spotlight: Government in Vukovar
A major feature covers the working session of the Croatian government in Vukovar, where leaders discuss plans to revitalize the city still scarred from war. The government promises investments in reconstruction, infrastructure, and job creation, alongside a symbolic gesture — using proceeds from the sale of a Challenger aircraft to fund rebuilding projects.
The decision is framed as both practical and moral: a step toward healing the wounds of Croatia’s “city-hero.”
Current Affairs: Elections and Economic Struggles
Several pages summarize local election results across Croatia, showing shifts in political power from traditional parties to new coalitions and independents. Municipalities such as Preko, Murter, Nova Gradiška, and Samobor reflect a changing democratic landscape, as citizens begin voting more pragmatically than ideologically.
Economically, Croatia faces serious challenges. Drought threatens agricultural yields, and unemployment remains high. The editorial tone across the issue hints at frustration with bureaucracy and inefficiency — particularly in tourism promotion.
“It is summer, yet in Canada we cannot find a single quality brochure about Croatian travel. Those materials should have been here months ago.”
Community Life in Canada: Celebrations, Sports, and Faith
Blagdan Sv. Ante in Norval
Valentina reports from the Croatian Cultural Centre in Norval, where thousands gather despite rainy weather to celebrate the feast of St. Anthony. She describes an atmosphere of devotion and unity — Croatian families arriving from across Ontario, priests delivering heartfelt homilies, and volunteers ensuring everyone is fed and welcomed.
“For St. Anthony, we would do anything. Even the rain could not wash away the joy of the day.”
Croatian Soccer Club “Croatia” Picnic
Toronto’s beloved Soccer Club Croatia held its annual picnic at Father Kamber Park. With hundreds attending, games, food, and friendly competition filled the day. The club’s long history of promoting Croatian pride through sport was celebrated, and player Robert Jarušić was honored with induction into the Soccer Hall of Fame — a first for a Croatian player in Canada.
“Every kick, every goal, every cheer — it’s more than a game. It’s a piece of Croatia in Canada.”
Culture and Diaspora
Toronto’s Croatian community continues to thrive culturally, with concerts such as the Ivan Goran Kovačić Male Vocal Ensemble performing traditional and sacred music.
Valentina also reminds readers of the importance of financial support for Iskra:
“These papers are the voice of our community. If we do not support them — morally and financially — they will not survive.”
Health Feature: Understanding Breast Cancer
Dr. Darko Desaty contributes a comprehensive and empathetic article on breast cancer awareness, focusing on prevention, early detection, and emotional recovery.
He outlines key statistics, self-examination techniques, and the role of mammography, while urging women to overcome fear and take charge of their health.
“Breast cancer is not a death sentence. With early detection, thousands live full and healthy lives for decades after treatment.”
His column emphasizes education and compassion — values that mirror Iskra’s broader mission to inform and uplift its readership.
Poetry and Reflection
Among the cultural offerings is “Moja Tajna Ljubav” (My Secret Love) — a romantic poem echoing themes of hidden devotion and fate, and a serene English poem comparing life to a river that flows from youth’s rush to wisdom’s calm.
Together, they bring poetic balance to an issue grounded in realism and responsibility.
Closing Thoughts
Iskra No. 60 stands out as a blend of heartfelt reflection and practical critique. Valentina’s editorial is both a warning and an invitation — urging Croatians at home and abroad to recognize that the nation’s reputation depends not just on its natural beauty, but on how it treats its people and its guests.
“Before we can build a better Croatia, we must build better habits.”
