Published: July 9, 2001
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-85-86.pdf
About This Issue
This double issue of Iskra captures Valentina Krčmar’s return from Croatia, her reflections on everyday life in the homeland, and a deep commentary on politics, justice, and morality at the turn of the millennium. It combines her personal “Motrišta” column with national updates, diaspora news, humour, and features on health and Croatian culture in Canada.
Editorial Letter
Valentina opens warmly, writing upon her return to Canada after spending time in Croatia. She encourages readers to travel home whenever possible:
“If I could recommend one destination to everyone—it would be home. Croatia is truly beautiful.”
She describes her journey through Zagreb, Slavonia, Dalmatia, and Istria, urging Croatians abroad to reconnect not only with their homeland’s scenery but also with its people, food, and spirit.
Valentina also notes the difficulties facing Hrvatska Iskra as a publication and humbly requests community support:
“Hrvatska Iskra cannot survive without your help. Almost alone, I can no longer bear the financial burden of keeping it alive.”
She concludes with optimism, acknowledging Croatia’s political turmoil but highlighting shared pride in Goran Ivanišević’s triumph at Wimbledon:
“How proud we are of him today!”
Motrišta: “The Contradictions of a Nation in Transition”
After returning from Croatia, Valentina reflects on what she witnessed — a land of beauty and paradoxes
Iskra-85-86
. She begins with commentary on Milošević’s extradition to The Hague, criticizing the world’s sudden gratitude toward the Yugoslav government:
“Those who closed their eyes when Vukovar was dying now praise Yugoslavia for its ‘selfless’ act.”
Her reflections expand into a tour of Croatia’s contradictions:
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Wealth and poverty coexist: luxurious “urban villas” rise in Zagreb and along the coast, while many citizens struggle to survive.
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Injustice in law: she recounts a personal story where a relative couldn’t sue businessman Kutle for unpaid work because Croatian law required a 10% advance of the claimed amount — a sum he couldn’t afford.
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Corruption and bureaucracy: from bribery to nepotism, she portrays a society where “connections” often matter more than merit.
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Public disorder: graffiti covers monuments and historic façades, even used for political advertising.
She criticizes careless public statements from politicians like Željka Antunović and Ivo Sanader, calling them “examples of how words can run faster than thoughts.”
Valentina describes Croatia as a country still learning how to function honestly:
“In Croatia, if you have no ‘connection,’ you wait. You become an ordinary mortal — and there seem to be very few of those.”
Her greatest sorrow lies in the agricultural sector: despite fertile land, much of the produce in markets is imported.
“This country could feed half of Europe. And yet, we import food from Italy and Hungary. That was the saddest thing I saw.”
She closes with a stinging question:
“What does Minister Pankretić do, if not ensure that Croatia feeds its own people?”
National News
Highlights include:
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Government Crisis: Prime Minister Ivica Račan’s coalition faces tension after agreeing to extradite Croatian generals to The Hague. Several ministers resign, exposing political fractures.
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Parliamentary Debate: Speaker Zlatko Tomčić announces a confidence vote in Parliament.
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Protests: Veterans’ groups, led by Mirko Čondić, threaten demonstrations and border blockades.
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Public Sentiment: The article captures growing frustration with government decisions and international interference.
Community Updates
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Farewell messages honour Father Ivica Lozić, returning to Croatia after serving the Croatian Martyrs Parish in Mississauga, and Consul Ivan Picukarić, recognized for his professionalism and dedication.
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Reports from local picnics, parish events, and the 9th Dora Golf Tournament, celebrating volunteerism and charity within the Croatian-Canadian community.
Culture and Lifestyle
Kuhajte s nama – “Cooking with Us”
Valentina shares culinary memories from her trip home, introducing traditional Croatian recipes like:
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Čobanac (a rich meat stew)
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Teletina ispod peke (veal baked under a bell dome)
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Štruklji in broth (a Samobor delicacy)
She reminds readers that Croatian cuisine is a celebration of community and identity:
“With good food, a drop of wine, and our beautiful song—everything becomes unforgettable.”
Columns and Features
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Humour Section: “Dozvol’te Jugiću i Matiću” – a satirical dialogue mocking bureaucrats and “international overseers” meddling in Balkan affairs.
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Health Column (Dr. Darko Desaty): In-depth report on Ontario’s crisis in home care and long-term nursing, showing concern for seniors and underfunded services.
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Eye Health Feature: A guide on choosing proper sunglasses for UV protection.
Letters to the Editor
Readers write with both encouragement and thoughtful debate. One letter continues a discussion about the poem “Znakovi obnove” by Boris Maruna, critiquing political labeling and ideological bias. Another expresses gratitude for Iskra’s perseverance:
“I hope you will remain steadfast in this difficult and selfless work.”
Closing Thoughts
Iskra No. 85–86 is one of Valentina’s richest issues — a blend of love for homeland and frustration with its realities. Her voice moves seamlessly between tenderness and indignation, always grounded in the belief that Croatia’s future depends on its people’s integrity.
“We must rely on ourselves — and on our own strength.”
