After Mentewab’s 2007 interview, Angelina learned of Mentewab’s existence and sent two reps to speak with her about possibly meeting Zahara.
“I told them all I wanted was to be allowed to speak with my daughter, but when this message was given to Angelina, they said I wanted her back and if she came for a visit, I would never let her go back to America. That is not true, but that is what they told her”, said Mentewab.
The now 31 year old says she would love to meet Zahara, but will settle for a simple phone call.
“I just want her to know that I am alive and here and long to be able to speak with her. I do not want my daughter back, but just to be in contact with her and be able to call her up and talk with her”.
“Angelina has been more of a mother to her than I have ever been. She has been with her since she was a baby, but that does not mean I do not miss her”, said Mentewab who still lives in poverty and has no other children. “I miss her all the time. I think about her every day and long to hear her voice or see her face. I know when she has a birthday, but I am sad because I can’t celebrate it with her. I would so much want to celebrate with her on her birthday and other special days. I long to be able to have regular contact with her”.
Mentewab’s brother who lives in the U.S. gives her updates on Zahara from the pictures and articles he sees online.
“I know her life is with Angelina is in another country and she speaks another language than me”, says Mentewab. “She has a life that I could never give her, but I would still like to have some contact. I would like to see her face. She has grown into a beautiful woman and I am so proud of her. My heart bursts because I am so proud”.
“We all die sometime and before I die, I would like her to know about me and that she has family here in Ethiopia. I would ask Angelina to let me speak with her. I do not think it is too much to ask”.
On if she ever received any money from the Jolie-Pitts, who are worth over half a billion dollars, Mentewab says, “no money has ever been offered and that does not worry or disappoint me”.
Mentewab still lives in poverty in Ethiopia, earning $20 a month from renting rooms in her home.