Many Israelis vividly remember the dispute that arose during the construction of the northern section of Israel’s Highway 6 (or Trans-Israel Highway). Ancient graves were discovered along its planned route, inciting outcry by Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community. An effort to uproot and relocate the graves was met with forceful and sometimes violent opposition by Haredi protesters who fought for the sanctity of the dead. The man pictured here succeeded in stopping a bulldozer seconds before being crushed.

This image was selected by Reuters as one of the top 100 photographs of the first decade of the 21st century.