On the lawn outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, a protest stands almost on its own. Dozens of farmers’ work boots are scattered across the grass in the square near Israel’s parliament. Some hang from poles next to flags and protest signs, others lie on the ground around the sculpture in the center.
What is missing is the crowd.
The installation was set up by dairy farmers protesting the possibility of importing milk from Turkey. But since the start of Operation “Roaring Lion” and the missile alerts heard in Jerusalem, the square has been mostly quiet. The protest remains in place – the protesters largely do not.
What does a protest look like without protesters?
The boots tell the story. They are spread across the lawn, hung on poles or placed beside protest banners. Each pair represents a dairy farmer or a worker from Israel’s milk industry.
Instead of a typical demonstration with crowds and speeches, the message is carried by the objects themselves. People passing through the square see the boots first – and only then understand the protest.
Why are farmers protesting milk imports from Turkey?
At the center of the protest is opposition to policies allowing expanded imports of milk and dairy products, including from Turkey. Israeli dairy farmers warn that cheaper imports could harm local production and threaten the future of many farms.
They argue that during a period of war and regional tension, maintaining local food production is especially important. The boots left on the grass outside the Knesset are meant to signal that concern.
