Hebrew has called one place “the Land” for 2,000 years. That is the connection.
In Hebrew, Israel is often just Ha’Aretz, “the Land.” Everywhere else, from New York to Paris, is Chutz La’Aretz, “outside the Land.” For centuries Jews lived far away, in Poland, Morocco, Yemen and New York, but in their prayers there was still only one Land.
I made this short paper-cut style video so a teenager could get the idea in about a minute.