Your Comments

We welcome your feedback on Witness. To comment on the show click on ‘Send your feedback’ at the top of the page. Below is a selection of your comments.

Your comments

Witness in general:
The Witness program is indeed a revolutionary angle point in journalism in that we the viewers get to understand and learn more about the world we live in and its people. It has been very educational and at many times I see myself truly feeling with the people of the world and thus further makes me be aware of the fact that I am another citizen of this world. Rageh Omar is a true inspirational, thank you Aljazeera, thank you Rageh.
Mohammed, Norway

I’d love to thank you for your extra ordinary efforts in presenting the suffering of people all around the world. This time, Nablus thing was self-explanatory to the painful daily life of students. Keep up the great job guys. Thank you again and may God bless you.
Hadeel Huleisy, Doha

Mr Rageh, Actually I Watch your ‘WITNESS’ programme often and I get thrilled every time I watch it. I made sure my parents and my younger ones watch it whenever it is aired. I was overjoyed with passion when I watched Border Crossing, Maid for Sale, Gaza Fixer et al and the special programme you did at your home country at Mogadishu few weeks back. To Rageh and the Witness crew – keep the fire burning and the
sky is your limit.
Idris Abubakar, Nigeria

(Lost Boys) That really touched my heart. wat can i say, i know few poeple on that program and few of the that die as well. i would like to say to rageh and paul that they did a good job and i hope that alot of people change there way and the way they are act in street.
Hamza, United Kingdom

(The Last Jew of Babylon) I‘ve just finished watching the very touching s tory of Ezra Levy and I want to compliment the film-maker on a wonderful piece of work. I was moved to tears by Ezra’s story, a story I’ve seen repeated over and over throughout this crazy modern world where mobility allows the young to set up new lives in foreign lands with different language and culture. But how often they make the mistake of bringing their elderly parents to join them. I’ve seen it with Cubans, Bolivians and Hmong in the USA. I’ve seen it with Palestinians, Iraqis, and Sudanese in Dubai. In exile they may have more modern comforts, but they’re lonely, miss their friends and daily routine back home, and soon lose the will to live on. This program is another great example of the human interest stories that make Al Jazeera my favorite channel and almost the only TV I watch. Thanks very much!
Richard, UAE

(Two Schools in Nablus) I was almost in tears watching the Witness’ special documentary about school life in Palestine. I was touched at the sight of one male student begging his teacher to give him another chance after having been in trouble at school. I hope that the PLO will use the money from the donors’ conference properly and raise the standard of education for these helpless students. With education comes self-reliance and confidence: with confidence, they will realize that fighting for a just cause cannot be won by blood, but by brilliant minds. My love to those who help the Palestinian people.
Arwa, Philippines

(Two Schools in Nablus)The film Two Schools in Nablus was wonderful, and you coverd the main problem in Palestine. Thank you.
Mohammad, Jordan

(A Maasai Tale) I really love this program. The episode about the girl in Kenya really opened my eyes. Seeing the thirst for knowledge in her eyes made me think about just how precious education really is. I admired her dedication and she has made me appreciate my studies more as well. Keep up the good work with the show. I can’t wait to see more episodes and learn more about the different cultures around us.
Hannna, USA 

Keep up the good work!! (Jungle Music)Very nice programme. I loved the documentary on Bolivia and Jungle music. Thanks…
Ekin, Ethiopia

(Beirut under Siege) It touched me deep inside to watch Katia’s story which is very similar to the conflict I went through. I believe most of the viewers would sympathize with her, though few would identify with what she went through. I saw in her film my own experience, my country, my mum’s words and an expression of my feelings.
Rania, Qatar

(Divorce in Yemen) The case of divorce in YEMEN is a truamatic experience to know when women are mostly the victims of abuse and to be sold off without their acknowledged consent. I believe women should be treated fairly and respected in marriage matters irrespective of the position a man holds in that family. However, women should be empowered through education on their legitimate rights as part of the marriage decisions, notwithstanding the rapid growth of divorce and lack of financial standing, they can move on with their lives. ALSO, care and concern must be taken on children as they also go through psychological truama of the same fate.
Kwesi Kwatia Philip, Ghana

(Beirut under Siege)The conflict began after Hezbollah fired Katyusha rockets and mortars at Israeli border villages diverting attention from another Hezbollah unit that crossed the border, capturing two Israeli soldiers and killing three others. Israeli troops attempted to rescue the captured soldiers but were unsuccessful, losing five more in the attempt.
DsuperJew, Israel

(Gladiator Women) Thank you, Al Jazeera, for sharing this interesting story. Witness is a great programme.
anhhung18901, USA

(Photographing The Exodus) I was so much moved by this documentary.
Samoystein, Ghana 

(A Maasai Tale) I really loved this episode about the girl in Kenya.  It really opened my eyes.  Seeing the thirst for knowledge in her eyes made me think about just how precious education really is. I admired her dedication and she has made me appreciate my studies more as well. Keep up the good work with the show. I can’t wait to see more episodes and learn more about the different cultures around us.
Hanna, USA

(Beirut under Siege) God bless Lebanon
ismailnador, Morocco

(Maid for Sale) It’s sad to see the Lebanese behave like this. I have also read that maids are no better off in Saudi Arabia or in Israel. Such a shame, the people who employ maids forget they are dealing with human beings. They should be helpful and grateful that someone is doing this work, instead of abusing them and treating them so poorly. I love Lebanon and its people, but this disappoints me very much.
Fatima, Algeria

(Beirut under Siege) I find this programme interesting and well presented. My only frustration is the way Hezbollah the so called resistance is portrayed.
GeoffNI, UK

(Divorce in Yemen) How sad, I feel sorry for these women 🙁
zinab2blessa, Norway

(A Maasai Tale) I am a huge fan because you do stories that are very seldom seen anywhere on any of the other TV channels. I loved the story on the Maasai women and their struggle for independence from their abusive husbands.
Amal, United Arab Emirates

(Meltdown Fiji) As human beings we seem not to acknowledge that our natural habitat are also living beings on their own that provide an atmosphere of nourishment to our existence and we can never do without it. Therefore if we provide an environment for it to bloom, the benefits is endless. But if otherwise, then we should be arms open to embrace the tsunamis, cyclones, hurricanes without complaints. GOD bless those of us protecting it.
Kwesi Kwatia Philip, Ghana 

(Gaza Fixer) Riveting. If you are not aware of the situation in Gaza, this is an important video to see. Excellent editing and narration.
TheBabzter, United States

(Banking on the Future) Really excellent show.
Mbatang, Canada

(Gaza Fixer) Amazing. This really opens your eyes, like all documentaries and news programmes from Al Jazeera English.
Liamsijm, United Kingdom

(A Maasai Tale) Salam, I wish to congratulate you on all your very interesting and informative programmes. I am a huge fan because you do stories that are very seldom seen anywhere on any of the other TV channels. Fabulous topic. Great work. I loved the story of Witness on the Maasai women and their struggle for independence from their abusive husbands. Great story. Thank you. Sincerely Amal Ali, UAE

(A Maasai Tale) Moving story, well told. bravo.
shupri, UAE

(Divorce in Yemen) Ya Allah! Situations like these are ridiculous! Muslims really need to learn about their faith; especially the women. they need to find out that Islam gives them rights (divorce rights, too). The problem that many Muslims face is that they don’t know much about Islam so they don’t know what is right or wrong, or what is Islamic and culture.
I pray for these sisters and for the brothers. Inshallah our Arab lands will break away from the old traditions and learn about the real Islam.
saharanSara, USA

(A Maasai Tale)Nice presentation Sitatian. Good luck .I know that you will make it.
Love Hellen Mimimasai, USA

(Gaza Fixer) I watched Gaza Fixer. What can I say other than it blew me away! Broke my heart … words are so empty … so meaningless when trying to describe the feelings this stirs.
Somya, Greece

(A Maasai Tale) I went to Kenya many times in the eighties and early nineties – I knew several Maasai women who were doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, and even engineers, so this discrimination as described in the video is not all that widespread, and many Maasai girls have had access to schools and higher education for decades. However, the terrible droughts of 1984 and later did decimate the Maasais’ cattle, the Kenyan government’s taking and fencing of large swaths of Maasai lands for agriculture certainly contributed largely to the impoverishing other Maasai, making it hard and even impossible for many of them to pay school fees, buy books, writing materials, and uniforms. This might explain that.
Vierotchka, Switzerland

(A Maasai Tale) Kudos Raage Omar……….you make all of us proud to be Somalians
dhafoorgiig, USA

(Divorce in Yemen) Nice story, I like how the reporter does translation on her own thats really clever
kukaban, USA

(Meltdown Fiji) As human beings we seem not to acknowledge that our natural habitat are also living beings on their own that provide an atmosphere of nourishment to our existence and we can never do without it. Therefore if we provide an environment for it to bloom, the benefits is endless. But if otherwise, then we should be arms open to embrace the tsunamis, cyclones, hurricanes without complaints. GOD bless those of us protecting it.
Kwesi Kwatia Philip, Ghana

(Meltdown Fiji) Amazing story
bruddahjosh, USA 

(Gaza Fixer) Amazing.
Migel, Lebanon

(Gaza Fixer) To watch Gaza Fixer with Raed Atharmneh was very powerful emotionally. To see the Israeli “indiscriminate” killings was very sobering. Your programme was so visceral, extremely touching and sad. The constant sound of surveillance drones overhead and the tethered balloons used for observation purposes chilled me. The Palestinian folks have to be some of the most courageous people on our planet. How the Israelis are able to justify constant lock down and denial of basic human rights is beyond me. I try to feel/think with compassion, but seeing the destruction of life, family and home without regard causes much consternation within me. Why are we able to allow such gross inhumanities to continue?
Brady, Malaysia

(My Sister the Geisha Hostess) Yes, thanks a lot for your excellent documentations! Cheerio
Loompa69, Gabon

(Gaza Fixer) A deeply moving and disturbing episode. The best I have seen so far. A rare insight into the bitter everyday life of ordinary Gazans. Thank you for this film.
Tim, Israel

(Gaza Fixer) A deeply moving and disturbing episode. The best I have seen so far. A rare insight into the bitter everyday life of ordinary Gazans. Thank you for this film.
Tim, Israel

(Banking on the Future) Excellent
Indulf, Vatican City

(Children Who Don’t Exist) Your program Witness on “Children that don’t exist” was very well done and a shake-up call for the Arab world to advocate for change. Is it possible to get the contact of the Film’s Producer?
Martha Sara, Egypt

(Children Who Don’t Exist) This is outrageous, the world should wake up and screw some cruel and needless traditions.
VidFreak2006, Greece

(The Other Washington) I very much appreciated your story on South East Washington DC, especially the segment on voting rights. I live near the capital, in Maryland, and it seems to me that democracy in the US capital should be much more of an international concern, especially considering the Bush administration’s claims to hold democracy so dear to their hearts. However, I also would have liked your program to have given some mention to the recent issue of gentrification. Many Americans would like to see DC become more affluent, but the cost may be a removal of all the poor from the city. Already, evictions are causing a rise in homelessness and huge condos are under construction in targeted communities. Again, many thanks for the coverage. It was an excellent program.
Liz Schwartz, USA

(My Sister the Geisha Hostess) I know this world well–very nice documentary.
wiserabbitknows, USA

(Coconut Revolution in Bougainville) At the very outset, I congratulate the entire team that worked for the episode on Coconut Revolution. The documentary presented a glaring example of human ingenuity and resilience in the face of resource curse and adversities. Natural resources are not only the bedrock for natural capital; they in turn support and consolidate social and human capital. The ways and means through which the Bougainvillean have organized themselves and defended their habitat and life supporting ecosystems, provides lessons to be learnt and practiced in today’s world, which is marred with global environmental changes and associated human sufferings.
Jyotiraj Patra, UK

(Coconut Revolution in Bougainville) The story of the coconut revolution is a splendid transformation of a civilisation. It’s indicative of the many benefits derived from nature which many nations have neglected to rather pursue building of bombs, nuclear weapons, ammunitions for war and the insanity of terrorism,racism etc. Thumbs up Rageh Omaar, you are the reason for strengthening many things that I will be doing here. God works through you.
Kwesi Kwatia Philip, Ghana

(Coconut Revolution in Bougainville) I wish to thank you for your informative account of the Bougainvillean struggle. I was posted to Bougainville in 2000 as a peace monitor, and met some of the BRA fighters you highlighted in the film. Their way of life is unique and the film brings out what an inspirational struggle they had against colonialism, exploitation and environmental degradation. During my time on Bougainville Francis Ona and the Mekamui were portrayed by the governments participating in the peace monitoring process (the Australian government in particular) as aggressive recalcitrants, but your time with him brought out how much he was simply an advocate for his own people and had their welfare in mind.
Alexandra, Jordan

(Coconut Revolution in Bougainville) Thank you soooooo much for airing this! Truly amazing. Especially since they are in the process of gaining independence after this film was made! 😉
Bythewayof10, Turkey

(Coconut Revolution in Bougainville) I remember seeing this when I was a teenager… a truly inspiring story that everyone should see.
wobinidan, Netherlands

(Coconut Revolution in Bougainville) I’m so glad I found something about Bougainville. I’ve been on the internet for ages trying to understand the cause of the conflict I had no idea what was going on but most people don’t even know Bougainville exists – how has it not gotten any international attention?
a05bf5ff, Ireland

(Dying to Leave) Omar’s presentation outstanding.
Abbebe Kifleyesus, Eritrea

(Ryan’s Storey – The Boy Who Built a Well) Dear Rageh Omaar: I’m a fan of your program “Witness”. I was really moved by the story about Ryan from Canada -the little boy who built a water well for a community in a village in Uganda. If there are few more people like Ryan, the world will be a better place to live in. As far as I am concern, Ryan is 1000 times better than all African leaders put together. It is a shame to the Ugandan government for not
being able to do what this little boy has done. I wish Ryan long life, good health and God’s protection. May Allah provide his parents.
M Barry

(Ryan’s Storey – The Boy Who Built a Well) I was moved by the enthusiasm of a six-year old boy trying his best to set up a well to provide clean water in the African nation of Uganda. This little boy has pointed us, the elders, that we can make a difference if we want to. He has opened our eyes.
Amina, Bangladesh

(Nun Helen) At first this woman seemed as delusional and paranoid as her ‘clients’. I would not judge her a fit person to run a rehabilitation home, although I admit there is probably a dearth of professionally qualified individuals necessary to run such an enterprise successfully. Laterally to these observations I would also comment that she tended to get too “personally involved” with the ‘clients’. I think this contributed heavily her sad demise.
Mr C.J.Hudson, UK

(Death Behind Bars) After watching the documentary, I could only imagine a new born child who comes in this world and ostensibly, people from all walks of life absorb that child with love, care and concern simply saying to that child, our world is full of endless love without evil. Eventually, the child grows to carry the many confusing baggage of desires of this world and unfortunately without proper guidance commits a hideous crime that sends that child to a life confinement of loneliness where the world sees you as a nuisance to society, remember it’s the same people who taught you are their begotten child. We should be sincere to this question, how many of us has been lucky to walk away with our little dirty secret from the scrutiny of world? Those behind bars are part of us no matter what we think of them. They are paying their debt here on earth. How about our hidden secrets?  The only way not to be hypocrites is to be there for them.
Kwesi Kwatia Philip, Ghana

(Stuck at de Gaulle)  I watched the documentary about Alfred.  I believe it to be one of the most interesting films I have seen in a while and I tend to watch interesting things often. It is the most bizarre situation and Alfred is such a fascinating character. Being stuck at the airport in Paris for so many years.  It sounds surreal. Also bizarre but yet amazing. good luck to him. By all means. Keep safe, Alfred. Iva, Sarajevo, Bosnia
iva.v., Bosnia-Herzegovina

(Another Road Home) I enjoyed watching “Another Road Home”, it was very difficult to watch, painful. I cried. It had such a deep meaning on so many levels. Thank you for allowing this program to be produced and watched. I hope that this program can be aired again. Best regards,
Lilly Martin, Syria

It clearly answers the type of peace agreement needed by Palestinians and Israelis. DANOE fulfils the longings of the human soul devoid of race, religion, tribe, who owns what, etc. A relationship at its peak. Our world leaders, who constantly assure us of peace need to watch it for reflective thinking. A gold medal award of merit to DANOE and WITNESS for the broadcast.
Kwesi Kwatia Philip, Ghana – messiah202001@yahoo.com
I watched another road home story with interest but missed some part. thought that all was in your web page but I saw only a few sentences were. I want to read the whole story of that programme if possible. lovely habib -safranbolu turkey
Habibullah Aktas, Turkey

Memories of Utopia
Culure identifies us as a united set of people among many others. The knowledge aids us to know where we are coming from and going as people. However for one man and others to awaken and made known what seems to be lost, reminds me to be proud to be an African. MEMORIES OF UTOPIA is a refreshing reality by Witness.
Kwesi Kwatia Philip, Ghana

 

I watched with interest Rageh Omaar’s report on The Hostages of Gaza and agree wholeheartedly with the comment of one of the hostages who said, that if it were not for the occupation by the Israeli army, Gaza could be a beautiful place. I cannot understand how people fail to see the beauty of the Gazan people who have maintained their dignity and good nature in spite of the severe indignities they have been subjected to by their jailers.
Ingrid, Norway

In The Singing Barber of Mosul I was disappointed to see one of the judges was judging Mohamed’s attire instead of his singing talent. This judge should be out and Mohamed should be in.
Disappointed Mom, Yemen

Sheikh Salah Dughmush expressed a view that is not unique by any standard in The Hostages of Gaza. I know I have had these thoughts, not because I in any way wish [Alan] Johnston himself any harm but the fact that the international community has effectively stated that a certain group of people might perhaps be more worthy of existence than others. An important question here is:  Does this sort of attitude help the so called ‘war against terrorism’?  Are the people of different regions and creeds expected to learn to co-exist in harmony while the international community keeps drawing these lines? Perhaps your team should address this issue sometime. That is if journalism is still about reporting the facts and not just popular views.
NJ Rabi, Pakistan

In The Hostages of Gaza Mr Omaar fails to help the Palestinians in his long story. Except for one line where he states that Hamas refuses to accept Israel, Rageh uses hundreds of words to describe the hardship of the Palestinians. This is like writing a book about the terrible affects of cancer without stating that the patient was a heavy smoker for all their life. Perhaps the Palestinians should focus on the few words, always overlooked, that Hamas rejects Israel. The international community is tired of the Palestinian cause and is content to see the Palestinians in Gaza remain under siege forever. Of course journalists and others that visit Gaza are moved by the plight of the Palestinians just as they would be moved by the plight of a lung cancer patient at the hospital. Of course, compassionate people do not like to remind the cancer patient that they killed themselves by smoking. Likewise, political correctness keeps visitors to Gaza from reminding Palestinians that their hostile threats and actions keep them impoverished. The Palestinians do not seem capable of acknowledging that their actions have caused, and will continue to cause, their own misery.
Dan, USA

The Singing Barber of Mosul  was a great story as it helped me to see that Iraq isn’t all just war and violence, that there are real people just like us who have dreams and aspirations yet can’t fulfill them due to their circumstances. With all the negative coverage of Iraq, the story was great because it gave a human and more positive side to the struggle! Keep up the great stories!
Alisha Lagasi, Canada

I found your programme on the Singing Barber of Mosul, very enlightening and emotional. The guy was so sweet, funny and painfully honest, and I truly hope that he finds a way to realise his dreams and keep out of harm’s way in the hell of present day Iraq.
Vicky, UAE

Another Road Home – well done, touching. This film shows that given a chance, humans can relate to each other naturally, based on their real feelings for another human.
Anne, Saudi Arabia

The documentary presenting the struggle of the Kurdish fighters Guerilla Girls was a really great job. I watched the entire documentary with great interest. It was like an action movie, with each segment different from the other. But sometimes I feel Al Jazeera is increasingly being hijacked or influenced by some pro-Kurdish people, as this was the second show highlighting the Kurdish cause within one month. But in any case, you are doing a great job. Best of luck.
Muhammad, Czech Republic

I watched your program about the niqaab in the UK Unveiling The Truth with great interest. I feel that such programs will give Muslims in European countries a possibility to express themselves in a confident manner. At the same time, it will be a good opportunity for them to change their mind.
Nizar, France

I watched your program on Dewsbury Unveiling The Truth and found it rather refreshing and hitting on the central issues namely unemployment, social deprivation and alienation by the media. The one thing however which I thought you missed was to have interviewed Jack Straw himself and asked him what he was doing about creating jobs or improving school conditions so that kids don’t end up using drugs or going into criminal activities.  Nonetheless on the whole I say ‘Bravo!’ for the brilliant and professional way you articulated the issues.
Ali, UAE

I wish to congratulate you on your choice of reporting; coming from anyone else I would have rejected the story about the Kurds Return To Kirkuk, but although it hurts somewhat to view the support of the Kurds for the war, I accept the report because it comes from you and I trust you.
Anonymous, Belgium

I really enjoy watching Witness.  I was really interested in your story Return To Kirkuk,
about the life of the Kurds in Iraq. 
Kat, Kuwait

I was so happy to see Al Jazeera in English, but I was in shock to see the episode with the guy traveling from UK to Kirkuk Return To Kirkuk, saying he hates the Arabs and that the Kurdish state comes before all Arab countries.  Al Jazeera needs to filter these kinds of programs.  If you think this channel is only for foreigners who will believe every thing you say, this is wrong.  We in the Arab world are also watching you. So, we need an apology for this episode of Witness.
Maher, Syria