The change in policy toward the Jews began in October 1942 , and by March – April 1943 , Antonescu permanently stopped all deportations despite German pressure , as he began to seek peace with the Allies , although at the same time he levied heavy taxes and forced labor on the remaining Jewish communities . Also , sometimes with the encouragement of Antonescu 's regime , thirteen boats left Romania for the British Mandate of Palestine during the war , carrying 13,000 Jews ( two of these ships were sunk by the Soviets ( see Struma disaster ) , and the effort was discontinued after German pressure was applied )
Struma disaster
Struma disaster
History of the Jews in Romania