Over the next few decades, the Jewish community in the city grew very quickly, such that by the time Transilvania, under Austro-Hungarian control, was known as Grand Principality of Transylvania, it was second in size only to the one in Alba Iulia.

[citation needed] The size of the Jewish population continued to grow through the first part of the 20th century, up until the start of World War II, passing 2,755 in 1910 and 3,246 in 1920 respectively, to a peak of 5,693 in 1941.

[citation needed] The Second Vienna Award and the annexation of northern Transylvania into Hungary in September 1940 was catastrophic for the Jewish community in the city.

[5] The Hungarian administration, under instructions from admiral Miklós Horthy (who was at the time regent of the Kingdom of Hungary and an ally to the Third Reich), moved the Jewish population into a ghetto installed in an ancient brick factory.

[citation needed] Between 27 May and 8 June 1944, under orders received from Adolf Eichmann, the Jewish population from Târgu Mureș and the surrounding region was deported to Auschwitz.

[7] The Grand Synagogue in Târgu Mureș was built between 1899 and 1900 during the Austro-Hungarian period, in an eclectic architectural style, following plans provided by the Viennese architect Jakob Gartner, of Moravian descent.

In 1998, with funding provided by the Federation of the Jewish Communities in Romania and by various private donors, a renovation was started, reaching eventual completion in 2000.

Significant work was performed, including reinforcing the walls and foundations, interior and exterior restoration, closely matching and following the original architectural designs and paint.

Most of the efforts to raise funds, oversee and complete the restoration, and rehabilitate the synagogue, were performed by the president of the community, Bernath Sauber, and by his secretary, Sándor Ausch.

The stones of the walls themselves, and the whole of the Jewish people mourn the extermination of our parents and our dear loved ones who were asphyxiated and burned at Auschwitz in the year 5704 (1944).