A bond forged during the hardships of war and strengthened over decades was honoured on Friday, 9 October 2026, at Kalymnos Town Hall. Distinguished Serbian educator and author Goran Joksimović was named an Honorary Citizen of Kalymnos, in recognition of his contribution to education, culture and friendship between peoples.
His connection with the island began in the 1990s, during the Yugoslav Wars and the breakup of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Joksimović accompanied groups of schoolchildren to Kalymnos, offering them a respite from the suffering of war and a chance to feel like children again, enjoying carefree moments away from fear.
Families on Kalymnos opened their homes to the children, forming friendships that would endure for decades. Their hospitality marked the beginning of the Serbian educator’s deep attachment to the island and its people.
Speaking at the ceremony, Joksimović reflected on that shared history and said that his bond with Kalymnos would remain with him for the rest of his life. He praised the islanders’ appreciation of beauty and thanked Kalymnos Mayor Ioannis Mastrokoukos for the honour.
The ceremony brought renewed attention to a story of solidarity: an island welcoming children whose lives had been disrupted by war, and a lasting friendship born from giving them the freedom to enjoy childhood again.
