On October 3, 2025, we will celebrate 35 years of German unity – a day on which our brothers and sisters were reunited, but also a moment that reveals divisions in our society. That's why we spoke with Hendrik Bicknäse, a contemporary witness to the division and reunification of Germany, whose book "Deutscharbeit – Mein Leben als Sohn" (German Work – My Life as a Son) reflects on personal and societal ruptures. As a writer, journalist, and art mediator, Bicknäse, born in 1947 in Nienburg/Weser, had a unique perspective on the post-war period, the GDR border, and Ostpolitik (Eastern Policy). His experiences – from his pre-trial detention in 1966 for contacting someone in the East to co-founding the Society for Cultural Exchange in 1985 – make him an authentic voice on the challenges of unity. His book has historical depth and addresses current issues of freedom of expression and cultural identity. His work in the anti-authoritarian movement of the 1960s and 70s, his role in the Frankfurt Book Fair (a counter-movement) of 1977/78, and his commitment to Art Without Borders reflect a lifelong dedication to dialogue and international understanding. His critical, nuanced approach encourages reflection on democracy and social cohesion.