In September 1940, with his rise to power in Romania, Ion Antonescu formed a fascist government. In January 1941, there were some 100,000 Jews in Bucharest. During the war years, Jewish refugees from surrounding cities continued to pour into Bucharest, believing it to be safer there. The central institutions of Romanian Jewry were located in Bucharest, as well as Jewish schools and hospitals.
However, Bucharest was also the center of the nationalist Iron Guard. Iron Guard members, known as "Legionnaires", began to terrorize the Jews of Bucharest. Jews were attacked in the streets, communal areas and parks. Their cars were confiscated, and many Jews were arrested and imprisoned.
On 21 January 1941, the Iron Guard rebelled against the Antonescu government. During the rebellion, riots broke out against the Jews. Jews were seized from the synagogues and the streets, some based upon previously prepared lists. About 100 Jews were loaded on trucks, and murdered in different locations around Bucharest. While the murders were taking place, a furious rabble went on the rampage against Jewish homes and businesses, looting, raping and destroying. The riots lasted for three days, during which a total of 127 Jews were murdered.
Yad Vashem Photo Archives, 3367/2
