Natan Sharansky, the chairman of the Jewish Agency, is to make his first visit to the Limmud conference at Warwick in December.

The former Israeli government minister and Soviet dissident will join Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Rabbi David Wolpe – who was the most influential rabbi in the United States, according to Newsweek – on the list of speakers.

Mr Sharansky said, “Limmud makes a major contribution to inspirational Jewish learning around the globe. I look forward to experiencing the Limmud magic where it all began, at Limmud conference, and meeting the thousands of Jews from the UK and from communities all over the world who transcend communal, age, gender and international boundaries to learn and teach together.”

Conference organisers have arranged additional accommodation in nearby hotels after a rise in demand following Rabbi Mirvis’s announcement that he would attend the event.