A prominent restaurateur who was arrested for displaying a Nazi symbol at a pro-Palestine demonstration before being fired from the hospitality group he co-founded is fleeing to an Indian ashram as he awaits sentencing next month.
Al Yazbek sparked national outrage after holding a sign that resembled the Israeli flag, but with a swastika, the Star of David in the center and the words “Stop Nazi Israel.”
He was arrested after marches on October 6, one year since the start of the war in Gaza.
A new statement from a crisis communications agency reveals that the former co-founder of the Nomad group will now seek spiritual enlightenment abroad.
“Al Yazbek will leave for an ashram in India, where he will return for sentencing on December 10,” the statement said.
Rebecca Yazbek claimed her husband was no longer involved in the company’s management and announced a restructuring of the company on Friday.
The catering group is renamed Edition Hospitality, with Rebecca as the sole director.
The hospitality group will be renamed Edition Hospitality, with Rebecca Yazbek as sole director
Al Yazbek photographed with a Nazi swastika on top of an Israeli flag during a protest in Hyde Park in Sydney’s CBD
“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 enter a new phase for my company.’
Famed accountant Anthony Bell, founder and CEO of Bell Partners, has been appointed as business advisor to the restaurant group.
‘We spent some time putting this new structure together and as I listened to Rebecca articulate her vision for the business and her plans for the future, I knew I wanted to be involved and jumped at the chance to join her come to work as a consultant. Bel said.
Last week it was announced that Mr Yazbek was no longer part of their hospitality group following angry reactions from the community.
“We are in the process of restructuring the company and hope to make an announcement next week,” Ms Yazbek said last Wednesday.
She previously acknowledged that he behaved in a way that offended many people.
Famed accountant Anthony Bell, founder and CEO of Bell Partners, has been appointed as business advisor 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,” she said.
“As both his wife and business partner, I was outraged by his actions and heartbroken by the damage they caused.
‘I fully understand the disappointment and frustration felt by those affected, and I am committed to doing everything possible to restore your trust.’
The couple have built their premium restaurant group over the past decade with restaurants Nomad Sydney and Nomad Melbourne, as well as Reine & La Rue.