In this episode of Family Matters, Simon O'Connor engages in a detailed discussion with His Excellency, Alon Roth-Snir, the Israeli Ambassador to New Zealand, about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. The conversation covers the tense atmosphere in Israel, the dual political and personal burdens faced by both the nation and Roth as a diplomat and family man.

Roth sheds light on the emotional and practical challenges of maintaining normalcy while confronting existential threats from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Emphasizing Israel's democratic values, he defends the nation's military actions as necessary for survival and criticizes the media for biased and inaccurate coverage.

Simon and Alon also discuss the implications of antisemitism in New Zealand and the broader geopolitical stakes of the conflict. The Ambassador underscores the importance of looking beyond immediate hostilities towards longer-term peace solutions, such as the Abraham Accords.

The discussion aims to provide a nuanced view of Israel's position and the complexities involved in the conflict.

Please note, this podcast was recorded on the 17th of September.

On this episode of Solid Ground, Simon wonders when the UK turned everything upside down when he notes JK Rowling has come out opposing euthanasia, while a former Archbishop of Canterbury has come out in support. He also discusses the many problems with the UK, Australia, and others recognising a Palestinian state including how it rewards terrorism. He finishes with a warning about the left-wing takeover of organisations like Amnesty International and Wikipedia, encouraging watches to discern carefully what they say and write.

Here's StraightTalk livestream for 22 September 2025, as we cut through the spin and discuss the issues related to family and society.