A Prophet in the time period that the Adam story was set arose in this area, followed by Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus and Israel has great significance in the life of Muhammad. Also Baha'u'llah Prophet founder of the Baha'i Faith spent over a third of His life imprisoned or under house arrest in Israel. Even Zoroaster is connected to Israel.
So the vast majority of the people who claim a religious affiliation today for the most part are connected to Israel.
Israel is about its future potential, not as we see it today. Israel has been the seat of the worlds dominant religions.
