No conviction for swastika
Yazbek had previously pleaded guilty at the Downing Centre Local Court to displaying a Nazi symbol in public.
Restauranteur Al Yazbek “regrets every minute” that he displayed a swastika superimposed on an Israeli flag at a pro-Palestine rally on October 6, a magistrate said on Tuesday, as the Nomad founder was sentenced to a Community Release Order without conviction.
Yazbek had previously pleaded guilty at the Downing Centre Local Court to displaying a Nazi symbol in public.
When confronted by police at the October 6 rally, he initially questioned the offensiveness of the symbol, calling it an “Israeli swastika,” before complying and removing it.
In court, Yazbek apologised, saying he had intended to provoke thought about perceived parallels between Nazi Germany’s actions and the Israeli government’s policies. He admitted he failed to grasp the deep trauma the swastika represents for the Jewish community.
Magistrate Miranda Moody acknowledged Yazbek’s remorse and accepted that “he is no neo-Nazi or right wing extremist” and “in no way antisemitic”, but criticised his actions as “ignorant and provocative”.
She noted he had already faced severe repercussions for his actions, including resigning from his hospitality business and enduring threats against his family.
Speaking outside the court, Yazbek said, “I got it horribly wrong.
“I’m profoundly sorry. I hope the Jewish community can forgive me over time.”
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