Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem,
“fifteen furlongs” (KJV) = a furlong was 606.75 feet, so 15 X 606.75 = 9101.25 feet = 1.724 miles.
The proximity to Jerusalem explains the large number of Jews in attendance for the period of mourning. It also proclaims that Jesus has almost reached the climax of His last journey to Jerusalem.