<P> Bethany (Βηθανία) is recorded in the New Testament as the home of the siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, as well as that of Simon the Leper . Jesus is reported to have lodged there after his entry into Jerusalem, and it could be from Bethany that he parted from his disciples at the Ascension . </P> <P> Bethany has traditionally been identified with the present - day West Bank city of al - Eizariya (Arabic العيزرية "place of Lazarus"), site of the reputed Tomb of Lazarus, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the east of Jerusalem on the south - eastern slope of the Mount of Olives . The oldest house in present - day al - Eizariya, a 2,000 - year - old dwelling reputed to have been (or which at least serves as a reminder of) the House of Martha and Mary, is also a popular pilgrimage site . </P> <P> The tomb in al - Eizariya has been identified as the tomb of the gospel account since at least the 4th century AD . Both the historian Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 330) and the Itinerarium Burdigalense (c. 333) mention the Tomb of Lazarus in this location . </P>

How far is it from bethany to jerusalem