Sydney restaurateur Al Yazbek pleads guilty to displaying a Nazi symbol during a pro-Palestinian rally

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 during a protest in Sydney on October 6.

The protest was the subject of a high-visibility police operation amid heightened tensions, a day before the anniversary of Hamas’ attack on southern Israel.

Police had alleged that Mr. Yazbek, the co-owner of the NOMAD Restaurant Group, had hung a sign with a swastika on the Israeli flag with the words “Stop Nazi Israel.”

Alan Yazbek. Image: Facebook.

He was charged with knowingly displaying a Nazi symbol without reasonable excuse.

On Thursday, Mr Yazbek’s lawyer, Phillip English, entered a guilty plea at Downing Center Local Court.

He expected punishment later in the day.

Under the new law introduced in NSW in 2022, displaying a swastika is punishable by up to 12 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $11,000.

He and his wife own luxury 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 he issued a public statement apologizing and saying he was not an anti-Semite.

“I unequivocally apologize for my actions during Sunday’s demonstration, where I carried a sign that is deeply offensive to the Jewish community,” Yazbek said in a statement.

Nomad restaurant in Melbourne. Photo: NewsWire/Luis Enrique Ascui.

His “furious” wife and business partner Rebecca released a statement on Wednesday announcing that Mr Yazbek was “no longer involved in the management of the company”.

“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.

‘As a result, he is no longer involved in the business operations.’