Published: November 15, 2002
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-116.pdf
About This Issue
Iskra No. 116 reflects a moment of weary reflection for Valentina Krčmar and the Croatian diaspora. The outrage over the Hague Tribunal’s treatment of Croatian generals continues, but exhaustion has set in — a sense that the scales of justice will always tilt against those who defended their homeland.
This issue weaves together remembrance, faith, and resilience. Valentina’s writing is more introspective, carrying undertones of sadness but also fierce pride. She reminds readers that “truth moves slowly — but it moves.”
Editorial: “The Quiet After the Noise”
Valentina begins the issue with a somber tone, describing a community still reeling from injustice and moral fatigue.
“We have grown tired of waiting for fairness from those who never fought for it.”
She reflects on how international courts praise peace but fail to deliver it, contrasting their inaction with the sacrifices made by ordinary Croatians who defended their towns, their faith, and their families.
The editorial also serves as a call to self-reliance — a theme Valentina often revisits:
“We cannot keep waiting for others to tell our story. If we do not preserve our truth, it will be erased.”
Her message is clear: justice begins with remembrance, not verdicts.
Motrišta: “When Justice Sleeps”
In her main essay, Valentina dissects the hypocrisy of the international community, pointing to Biljana Plavšić’s reduced sentence and the ongoing persecution of Croatian generals such as Ante Gotovina, Rahim Ademi, and Janko Bobetko.
She questions how an elderly general, ill and unable to walk, can be labeled a war criminal while those who orchestrated mass executions enjoy leniency.
“They say justice is blind — but in The Hague, it only closes one eye.”
Her argument expands beyond politics; it becomes philosophical. She contrasts the world’s treatment of victims and aggressors, warning that history, if left to politicians, will always favor the powerful.
“In our pain, we learned patience. But patience must never become silence.”
Valentina also condemns apathy within the Croatian community — those who have “grown comfortable in peace” and no longer feel the urgency to defend truth. She insists that the diaspora must remain engaged, vocal, and united in preserving Croatia’s legacy.
National News
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Bobetko’s Health Worsens: The aging general’s condition continues to decline, intensifying debates about whether Croatia should comply with The Hague’s demand for his extradition.
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Račan’s Balancing Act: Prime Minister Ivica Račan walks a tightrope between defending national dignity and maintaining international relations, as Croatia faces political isolation for its defiance.
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European Integration Talks: Despite the tensions, Croatia continues negotiations for EU membership, emphasizing reforms in governance, transparency, and judicial independence.
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Croatian Veterans’ March: Thousands gather in Zagreb to demand justice for the defenders of the Homeland War, holding signs reading “Defending Our Country Is Not a Crime.”
Cultural Features
Even in the shadow of politics, Valentina makes room for celebration of identity and art:
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Croatian Opera “Nikola Šubić Zrinski” continues its acclaimed run, now expanding to Hamilton and Niagara.
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Poet Vladimir Goss contributes a reflective piece, “Autumn in Exile,” capturing the melancholy beauty of life between two homelands.
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Marina Vuković’s “For a Chat” returns with a heartfelt column about gratitude and finding light in small acts of kindness.
Community Life
The newsletter spotlights several vibrant community events across Ontario:
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25th Anniversary of “Hrvatski Dom” Toronto: An emotional evening celebrating Croatian heritage, with performances by Tamburitza Hrvatski Zvuci and a speech by Dr. Ivo Banac.
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Croatian-Canadian Seniors’ Luncheon: A gathering that blends nostalgia with laughter — stories of migration, early struggles, and pride in their children’s successes.
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Youth Corner: Highlights from Croatian School Toronto, where young students write essays about their grandparents’ homeland, proving that language and love endure across generations.
Health & Wellness
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Dr. Darko Desaty discusses “The Dangers of Overmedication,” urging readers to trust prevention over prescription.
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A feature on Seasonal Affective Disorder offers practical advice for coping with long Canadian winters: fresh air, sunlight, and human connection.
Humor & Everyday Wisdom
Valentina softens the issue’s weight with humor drawn from everyday Croatian life — snippets of folklore, old sayings, and playful reminders that “a heart that laughs heals faster.”
“You don’t need wine to toast — just someone who listens.”
Closing Reflection
Valentina closes with a mix of resignation and hope — a tone that feels like a prayer for her readers as much as for Croatia itself.
“Perhaps justice sleeps — but truth never dies. We will keep telling it, in our language, in our songs, and in the quiet work of memory.”
