POCATELLO — In a series of emails between Dr. Fahim Rahim and the author of the Bonneville County Republican newsletter article about the dangers of Islam and Muslims in Idaho, Becky Prestwich, an apology was offered by Prestwich and a possible meeting between the two is in the works.

    Rahim, a Muslim, is co-founder of Idaho Kidney Institute and the JRM Foundation for Humanity, along with his brother Naeem. They moved to Pocatello with their families 11 years ago.

    Rahim had taken exception to the tone of Prestwich’s article, which had warned that Muslims pose a threat to Idahoans and that legislators should be made aware of the danger.

    “Please, don’t wait until something bad happens,” Prestwich wrote in her piece titled “Islam in Idaho.”

    The Journal story of Rahim’s unhappiness with the what he perceived as fear-mongering was picked up nationally. The Council on American-Islamic Relations or CAIR, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, called on Republican Party leaders to repudiate the newsletter article early Thursday morning.

    But Prestwich had already emailed Dr. Rahim a partial apology Wednesday night.

    “In the piece, the most glaring error on my part was my failure to point out that I was referring to radical Muslims who believe in the radical ideology that is prompting some to act in very violent and heinous ways.” Prestwich wrote. “I most assuredly should have clarified that and I offer you my sincerest apologies for the offense you were caused at my hand.” 

    Prestwich went on to write: I’m truly sorry that you believe my comments were fueled by hatred. They most certainly are not. If, however, you do not believe that this radical element that claims to be of the Muslim religion is not a threat to your liberty and mine, we shall have to respectfully disagree.” 

    Rahim accepted the apology and extended an invitation to meet with Prestwich as well as Bonneville County’s Republican Chairman Doyle Beck.

    “I embrace you with open arms into my family and especially around my kids who are born in Idaho and are not a threat to anyone,” Rahim responded.

    The Pocatello doctor also shared his Republican credentials with Prestwich in another email.

    “I want you to know that I have been a GOP supporter on local and national levels for decades,” Rahim wrote. “I have made good friends along the way in GOP leadership including Senators Crapo, who is a personal friend for years, and Jim Risch. Governor Otter has been also a kind friend and Lori Otter and I have worked on several projects including Idaho Meth Project. I have met Mitt Romney during his campaign on several occasions on invites from Frank Vandersloot who is a good friend as well.”

    Bingham County Republican Chairman Dan Cravens said the entire episode sparked by the Bonneville County newsletter was unfortunate and avoidable.

    “I don’t think these comments were directed at the Muslim community down here,” Cravens said. “I can understand how these comments could be seen as offensive.”

    Cravens suggested that the Bonneville County GOP allow Dr. Rahim to submit an article for its next newsletter.

    “I think we need to get away from people judging people on their faith and look at their actions,” Cravens said.