A high-profile restaurateur has pleaded guilty to displaying a Nazi symbol to protest Israel’s actions during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Alan Yazbek was accused of displaying a swastika sign at a protest in Sydney on October 6.
The protest was the subject of a high-visibility police operation amid intense tensions a day before the anniversary of the Hamas attack on southern Israel.
Police had alleged that Yazbek, co-owner of the NOMAD restaurant group, displayed a sign with a swastika superimposed on the Israeli flag and the words “Stop Nazi Israel.”
Alan Yazbek held up a sign with a swastika. Image: NewsWire / Damian Shaw.
Alan Yazbek. Image: Facebook.
He was accused of knowingly displaying a Nazi symbol without reasonable excuse.
At Downing Center Local Court on Thursday, Yazbek’s lawyer, Phillip English, pleaded guilty.
He anticipated a sentencing later that day.
Under the new law introduced in New South Wales in 2022, displaying the swastika is punishable by up to 12 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $11,000.
He and his wife own upscale Nomad restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as Reine & La Rue.
The incident sparked a backlash against the restaurant group and earlier this month it issued a public statement apologizing, saying it was not anti-Semitic.
“I unequivocally apologize for my actions at Sunday’s rally, where I carried a sign that is deeply offensive to the Jewish community,” Yazbek said in a statement.
Nomadic restaurant in Melbourne. Photo: NewsWire/Luis Enrique Ascui.
His “furious” wife and business partner, Rebecca, issued a statement Wednesday announcing that Yazbek was “no longer involved in running the business.”
“Two weeks ago, our co-director, Al Yazbek, behaved in a way that offended many people,” the statement said.
‘We deeply regret the impact his actions have had on the community and for that we sincerely apologize.
“Therefore, he is no longer involved in the management of the business.”