Travel company gives away 20 free cruise tickets to 20 ex-IDF soldiers
This opportunity was part of the company's Vantage Heroes Program, which honors heroes across the US and the world.
By YVETTE J. DEANEIDF soldiers participate in an official Remembrance Day ceremony at the Western Wall, April 17, 2018(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Vantage Deluxe World Travel gave away 20 complimentary all-inclusive tickets to former IDF soldiers on their jazz themed cruise from the Netherlands to France, the company announced on Monday.“Vantage strives to honor the quiet heroes among us whose lives have been dramatically affected by tragedy, loss, and war,” said Nicole Fusaro, Director of the Vantage Heroes Program. “These soldiers’ stories of perseverance and resilience are incredibly inspirational and we are so pleased to be able to provide them with a unique way to leave the worries of daily life behind and bond with others who have shared similar struggles.”This opportunity was part of the company's Vantage Heroes Program, which honors heroes across the US and the world.Vantage gave the tickets to Brothers for Life, an NGO that supports disabled Israeli combat soldiers. The lucky recipients sent sail on March 25th on nine-day cruise, stopping in Cologne, Kolenz, Mainz, Heidelberg, and Kehl, after departing from Amsterdam.The travel company donated 19 tickets to the same organization in 2017, which took the former soldiers to Normandy’s D-Day Beaches. The soldiers stopped by an American cemetery, where they had the opportunity to pray by the graves of 149 Jewish American soldiers. The IDF troops were also joined by US military veterans.“We are so thankful to Vantage Deluxe World Travel for giving our brotherhood this experience,” said Gil Ganonyan, Delegation Manger at Brothers for Life. “Our guiding principle is ‘if something good happens to you, give of yourself.’ During rehabilitation, this is especially important and so our brothers give mentorship, love, and hugs without condition to their fellow soldiers, and this trip will provide many opportunities for that."Vantage has a history of giving away luxurious getaways to the world's brave. Previous Hero cruises have been offered to survivors of the Boston Marathon Bombings, 9/11, United 93 families, and the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. The company also gave away tickets to those who lost loved ones in the devastating Yarnell Hill wildfire in 2013, a wildfire in Arizona that killed 19 people.Vantage was named “One of the Best River Cruises in the World" by Travel + Leisure in 2018 and was the Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Award for six consecutive years.
