A prominent restaurateur who was arrested for displaying a Nazi symbol at a pro-Palestine rally before getting cut 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 following marches on October 6 marking one year since the beginning of the war in Gaza.
A new statement provided by a crisis communications agency has revealed the former Nomad group co-founder will now seek spiritual enlightenment overseas.
‘Al Yazbek is booked to depart for an ashram in India, returning for his sentencing on December 10,’ the statement reads.
Rebecca Yazbek claimed her husband was no longer involved in the management of the business and on Friday announced a restructure of the company.
The hospitality group will be rebranded as Edition Hospitality, with Rebecca as its sole director.
The hospitality group will be rebranded as Edition Hospitality, with Rebecca Yazbek as its sole director
Al Yazbek pictured holding Nazi swastika superimposed on an Israeli flag at a protest in Hyde Park in Sydney’s CBD
‘Nomad Group is already a successful company, I am confident this new structure will work towards our future success,’ Ms Yazbek said in a statement.
‘This is the right time to move towards a new phase for my business.’
Celebrity accountant Anthony Bell, founder & CEO of Bell Partners has been appointed as a business adviser to the restaurant group.
‘We’ve 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 as an advisor.’ Bell said.
Last week, it was announced Mr Yazbek was no longer a part of their hospitality group after the angry community backlash.
‘We are in the process of restructuring the business and hope to be able to make an announcement on that in the next week,’ Ms Yazbek said last Wednesday.
She previously acknowledged that he behaved in a way that offended a lot of people.
Celebrity accountant Anthony Bell, founder & CEO of Bell Partners has been appointed as a business adviser to the restaurant group.
Yazbek will depart 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 apologise,’ she said.
‘As both his wife and business partner, I was furious with his actions and heartbroken by the harm 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 built their high class restaurant group over the last decade with restaurants Nomad Sydney and Nomad Melbourne, as well as Reine & La Rue.
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