Anti-Israel students protest at Columbia University in New York City. Photo: Reuters/Jeenah Moon

A few years ago, “back to school” merely implied a group of students returning to their yearly academic routines. But this year, we add a new ritual: back to inciting hate against Israel and Jews.

Although the wave of protests died down over the summer, it was inevitable to imagine what would re-emerge once these young adults — many of whom support terrorism and violence — returned to campus.

So far, there have already been violent attacks on Jews, and violent arrests.

Over the past year, many Americans — perhaps even a silent majority — watched what unfolded, and may not have liked what they saw.

Terrorist flags being waved across campuses that have seen great world leaders walk through the halls; Amazon tents that took over the beauty of great Ivy Leagues (both visually and reputationally); acts of violence, vandalism, and open support for international terror organizations were all featured parts of these protests.

Many people witnessed this, and I can’t help but think that many people thought: How can someone possibly believe this is right?

I’m not talking about people who actually know things about the conflict. I’m looking directly at people who don’t know anything, but are seeing these images on their televisions and phones and are asking themselves how this mayhem could possibly be justified.

This group of Americans must be seeing these “protests,” these “activities,” and this mayhem created by a deep-rooted hatred of the Jews and Israel (even if protestors like to deny it), and think: something’s not adding up. Even if they don’t know anything, they know something.

They must be doubting. They must be questioning why a group who claims to be fighting for human rights is rioting in respected institutions, waving terrorist flags, being commended by Islamic dictators, and harassing other students. All in the name of … freeing Palestine?

Many Americans must be confused about how this aimless violence and antisemitic slurs are somehow contributing to the freedom of an innocent group of people. How does violently overtaking college buildings and threatening Jewish students, while supporting groups that raped and executed Jews, represent supporting human rights?

Even if they don’t know much, they’re seeing just enough to know this somehow isn’t right. And maybe they could help the tide turn in Israel’s favor.

Alma Bengio is a Northeastern University graduate with a Bachelor’s in International Relations, and a Master’s in Project Management from Harrisburg University. Follow @lets.talk.conflict on Instagram.