Prof. Yaron Zelecha Earned 14.3 Million Shekels from Ono Academic College
Former Accountant General Prof. Yaron Zelecha earned 14.3 million shekels from Ono Academic College over seven years, reaching a peak of 2.43 million shekels in 2023 before seeing a reduction in 2025.
Professor Yaron Zelecha, former Accountant General and political figure, received a gross salary of 14.3 million shekels over the past seven years up to 2025 from the Ono Academic College, according to annual financial reports submitted to the Registrar of Associations. In 2023, his salary reached 2.43 million shekels, averaging approximately 203,000 shekels per month, making him the second-highest earner at the institution ahead of the CEO.
As a registered non-profit association, Ono Academic College is legally required to publicly disclose the remuneration of its top five highest-paid employees. Zelecha has consistently appeared on this list every year since 2017, with the exception of 2018, listed as a full-time senior academic staff member heading the Department of Accounting. His compensation grew steadily from 1.1 million shekels in 2017 to peak at 2.43 million shekels in 2023, surpassing the CEO's salary starting in 2020. Despite launching a political party and running in previous elections, reports indicated he maintained full-time employment throughout.
Following a slight plateau in 2024 at 2.41 million shekels, Zelecha's salary decreased by 17.5% in 2025 to 1,988,562 shekels, dropping him to third place on the payroll list. This reduction coincided with a robust financial year for the college, during which revenues surged by 10.7% to 555 million shekels and annual surplus more than doubled to 30.6 million shekels. Because Ono Academic College operates as a private institution, its salaries are exempt from public sector compensation caps that limit state-funded university presidents and executives.
In addition to his academic position, Zelecha has maintained an active career as a paid economic consultant, frequently advising labor unions. Responding to inquiries regarding his income and political ambitions, Zelecha stated that he would willingly accept a significant pay cut if elected to the Knesset, emphasizing his commitment to combating the high cost of living in Israel. Representatives for Ono Academic College declined to comment on faculty remuneration.
