Published: September 15, 2002
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-112.pdf
About This Issue
Iskra No. 112 marks a turning point in Valentina Krčmar’s editorial voice. Written with sharp honesty and courage, this issue confronts turmoil within the Croatian Credit Union (HKZ) and the pain of watching a once-proud community institution lose its moral footing.
Valentina’s tone is weary but defiant. She writes of her expulsion from HKZ, of legal battles, and of a community divided between fear and apathy. Yet amid her disappointment runs a constant current of hope — that truth, courage, and integrity will outlast corruption and silence.
Editorial: “When Will We Stand Together?”
Valentina opens by reflecting on the anniversary of September 11th, contrasting America’s unity in mourning with Croatia’s disjointed remembrance. Watching the U.S. come together in faith and solidarity, she wonders why Croatians have never truly united in honoring their own sacrifices — the defenders of Vukovar, the fallen civilians, the nameless victims of war.
“When will we, Croats, stand together as Americans do — not only when a sword hangs above our heads, but in the quiet moments that test our gratitude?”
She also celebrates the 35th anniversary of the “Zvuci Hrvatske” radio program, thanking Karmen and Ivica Lončarić for decades of dedication to preserving Croatian culture in Canada. Their perseverance, she writes, embodies the spirit the community needs now more than ever.
Motrišta: “The Price of Truth”
In one of her most powerful pieces, Valentina confronts the internal conflicts of the Croatian Credit Union (HKZ). She describes how she was expelled from membership for speaking out against injustice and the misuse of community funds.
What follows is an unflinching account of intimidation, lawsuits, and division — a portrait of a community turning against its own.
“I never wanted to write about this. But I have no choice. Silence protects those who abuse, and I cannot stay quiet.”
She contrasts the HKZ’s founding ideals — built by exiles and dreamers fleeing oppression — with its current leadership, who, in her words, “protect their power with lawyers paid from the community’s pockets.” She calls out names, not from malice but from a sense of duty, declaring that truth must be spoken even when it costs membership, comfort, or reputation.
Valentina reminds readers that democracy is not inherited; it must be practiced. Her words are a challenge to a complacent diaspora:
“Every nation deserves the leaders it tolerates. If we refuse to defend truth, we will lose the institutions that once defended us.”
She calls for new elections within the HKZ, transparency in leadership, and courage among members to speak without fear. The essay ends with her signature defiance:
“Should I fall silent because I was unjustly expelled? No — never. The fight for truth does not end at the door of exclusion.”
Community Highlights
While the editorial burns with intensity, the remainder of the issue celebrates the life and joy that still thrive in the Croatian-Canadian community.
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Croatia-Metros 26th Anniversary: The banquet hall fills with emotion as veterans of the 1976 championship team reunite with legendary player Eusebio, sharing stories, tears, and pride. The event becomes a reminder that unity, when genuine, can achieve greatness.
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“Zvuci Hrvatske” 35th Anniversary: A concert featuring Goran Karan is announced to mark the milestone of the long-running radio station that has been a voice for Croats in Toronto for over three decades.
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Croatian Opera in Canada: Nikola Šubić Zrinski by Ivan pl. Zajc premieres in North America, bringing national pride to the stage through a collaboration between Opera Mississauga and the Croatian National Theatre of Zagreb.
Culture and Literature
The cultural section offers a blend of essays and humor — from “Vacation is Over” by Vladimir Goss, to lighthearted jokes and proverbs reminding readers that even laughter is part of resilience.
Marina Vuković contributes her regular “For a Chat” column, reflecting on daily life, nostalgia, and the enduring pull of home.
A poem titled “Lies and Truth” by August Harambašić quietly mirrors Valentina’s own struggle:
“When lies wear pretty clothes
And truth stands plain and poor,
Lies will walk through open doors —
And truth be kept outdoors.”
Health and Wellness
Dr. Darko Desaty continues his regular health advice column, while a feature titled “Advice from Ann Landers” shares guidance for aging gracefully and maintaining independence — a touching piece about dignity and gratitude toward one’s children and caregivers.
Final Reflection
The issue closes with Valentina’s quiet affirmation that though communities fracture, integrity must remain whole. She acknowledges the pain of isolation but insists that truth-telling — even when it leads to exclusion — is a form of love.
“Perhaps I am only the first. But one day, others will see what I see. And when they do, we will rebuild what has been lost — not with money, but with conscience.”
