I think it comes down to the type of government in power.  Do they promote nationalist ideals (ie:Israel) or internationalist ideals? (ie: Australia)

The more internationalist they are, the more important the concept of multiculuralism and tolerance seems, especially when they have lax mass immigration policies on the agenda.  Whereas a nationalist government will steer away from promoting multiculturalism and focus more on a strong single ethnic society.

To me there is no "real" multiculuralism in Australia. It's more of a multi-ethnic society.  And I think Australians are taught from a very young age to be empathetic, tolerant, welcoming etc etc to all immigrants, and if they are not, then then they will be labelled racist.  Which these days is a crime almost as bad as murder...