A prominent restaurateur who was arrested for displaying a Nazi symbol at a pro-Palestine rally before being banned from the hospitality group he co-founded is fleeing to an Indian ashram ahead of sentencing next month.
Al Yazbek caused national outrage after holding a sign made to look like the Israeli flag, but with a swastika, the Star of David in the middle and the words “Stop Nazi Israel.”
He was arrested after the marches on October 6, one year after the start of the war in Gaza.
A new statement provided by a crisis communications agency revealed that the former co-founder of the Nomad group will now seek spiritual enlightenment abroad.
“Al Yazbek is scheduled to leave for an ashram in India, and will return for sentencing on December 10,” the statement read.
Rebecca Yazbek stated that her husband was no longer involved in the management of the company and on Friday announced a restructuring of the company.
The hotel group will be renamed Edition Hospitality and Rebecca will be its sole director.
The hotel group will be renamed Edition Hospitality and Rebecca Yazbek will be its sole director.
Al Yazbek pictured holding the Nazi swastika superimposed on an Israeli flag at a protest in Hyde Park in Sydney’s central business district.
“Nomad Group is already a successful company; I am confident that this new structure will contribute to our future success,” Ms. Yazbek said in a statement.
“This is the right time to move into a new phase for my business.”
Famed accountant Anthony Bell, founder and chief executive of Bell Partners, has been appointed business adviser to the restaurant group.
‘We have spent some time putting this new structure together and as I listened to Rebecca express her vision for the business and her plans for the future, I knew I wanted to be involved and jumped at the opportunity to join her as an advisor. ‘ Bell said.
Last week, it was announced that Yazbek was no longer part of his hospitality group after community backlash.
“We are in the process of restructuring the business and we hope to be able to make an announcement on this next week,” Ms Yazbek said last Wednesday.
He previously acknowledged that he behaved in a way that offended many people.
Famed accountant Anthony Bell, founder and chief executive of Bell Partners, has been appointed business adviser to the restaurant group.
Yazbek will leave for an Indian ashram
Nomad Restaurant in Sydney’s Surry Hills
“We deeply regret the impact his actions have had on the community and for that we sincerely apologize,” he said.
‘As his wife and business partner, I was furious at his actions and heartbroken at the damage they caused.
“I completely understand the disappointment and frustration felt by those affected and I am committed to doing everything possible to restore their confidence.”
The couple built their high-class restaurant group over the last decade with restaurants Nomad Sydney and Nomad Melbourne, as well as Reine & La Rue.
