A Sydney restaurateur has admitted to displaying a Nazi symbol during a rally in support of the Palestinian people in October, in an act that sparked outrage and legal action.
Alan Yazbek, cofounder of the Nomad Group, which runs three high-end restaurants, was photographed at the Oct. 6 protest holding a sign that replaced the Star of David on the Israeli flag with a blue swastika, alongside the words "Stop Nazi Israel."
Second Sign Linked to Hezbollah Colors
Yazbek, 56, was also seen with another sign bearing the green and yellow colors associated with the Lebanese militia and political party, Hezbollah, a group designated a terrorist organization in Australia.
The protest occurred a day before the anniversary of Hamas' Oct. 7, attacks in Israel.
Despite an estimated 10,000 people attending the rally, Yazbek was the only individual charged.
Initially, police tried to block the event but later reached a peaceful agreement with the organizers, eventually allowing it to go ahead.
Legal Consequences Looming for Yazbek
Yazbek now faces serious legal repercussions, with a potential sentence of up to 12 months in jail or a fine amounting to $7,300.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10. Australia has enforced a ban on displaying Nazi symbols and gestures, including the swastika, under various state and federal laws since 2022.
Jewish groups in Australia have voiced concerns over a rise in antisemitic incidents as tensions escalate in the Middle East, highlighting the significance of such legal actions.
Community leaders have called for harsher penalties as a deterrent against hate speech and symbols, particularly in light of the region's deepening conflict.
Recent Rise in Nazi Symbol Offenses
Yazbek's case follows a string of similar offenses in Australia.
Earlier in October, a state police chief was forced to apologize to the Jewish community after a sergeant allegedly performed an illegal Nazi salute at a police academy.
Around the same time, a self-identified Nazi was informed by a magistrate that he would become the first individual in Australia to be sentenced to prison for making the banned salute gesture.
This issue has gained increased visibility in Australia, particularly after three soccer fans were fined in June for performing Nazi salutes during a Sydney match.
The men, the first to be convicted under these laws, have since filed appeals against their convictions.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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