You may be thinking of Saul Alinsky, who is a red-diaper bolshie of the lowest kind (he mentored Billy Jeff and Queen Evita).
Natan Sharansky is about as far from Alinsky as can be. He was a prisoner in the USSR for wanting to emigrate to Israel back in the 80s. He’s a great friend of the United States.
Yes, I believe you are right. And now that you mention it, I do remember Sharansky in the context you have touched on. I appreciate the reminder.