A well-known Sydney restaurateur has been identified as the individual who allegedly held a poster displaying a swastika superimposed on an Israeli flag at a recent pro-Palestine rally.

Alan Yazbek, the owner of popular restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne, is facing charges for knowingly displaying a Nazi symbol in public.

Yazbek was seen holding the sign, which bore the phrase “Stop Nazi Israel” alongside the swastika, during a demonstration attended by about 10,000 people.

The protest took place just ahead of the one-year anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks.

I will not be going to Nomad restaurant in Melbourne ever again. And yes I have been multiple times. This is the owner he also owns Reine and La Rue. Haven’t been there and never will. His name is Alan Yazbek. #BringThemHomeNow pic.twitter.com/VvHw3nd9q7

— Marsha Thomson 🇦🇺🇮🇱🎗️ (@MarshaThomsonM1) October 8, 2024

Upon noticing the offensive symbol, police intervened and instructed Yazbek to leave. He was subsequently arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged.

He was released on bail with a condition that he not come within two kilometres of Town Hall, the protest site, unless for work-related reasons at his nearby restaurants.

The display of Nazi symbols in New South Wales can result in a penalty of up to $11,000 or a year in prison.

This says to me that there has been nowhere near enough pushback from Aussie socirty against Jew hate.

This says to me that it is no longer shameful to parade the hate in public.

It is up to 🇦🇺 - government, but also regular citizens- to say no more! https://t.co/dXSZGVYt1y pic.twitter.com/2DwboVPn5k

— Keren Zelwer (@KerenZelwer) October 8, 2024

Since the incident, some diners have cancelled reservations at Yazbek’s establishments, following news that circulated within the Jewish community.

He is scheduled to appear in court on October 24.